Autism affects nearly 1 in every 110 babies born in the United States, according to the Autism Society. The prevalence of the developmental disorder has increased more than tenfold in the past 20 years. The reason for this increase remains a topic of controversy; are environmental factors increasing the number of cases or have better diagnostic measures and increased awareness increased the diagnosis? Either way, in the absence of a cure or specific medical treatment, many parents look for alternative treatments, such as the gluten-free and casein-free -- GFCF -- diet, to help reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Gluten
Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten, when mixed with water, becomes the sticky substance that allows dough to stretch and gives bread its chewy texture. For approximately 1 in every 133 people in the United States, eating foods that contain gluten or products derived from gluten triggers an abnormal immune response in which immune cells attack the cells lining the small intestine, according to the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research. This response causes damage to the lining of the small intestine and over time inhibits the absorption of nutrients. Doctors diagnose these patients with gluten intolerance, or celiac disease.
Casein
Milk, including the milk produced by cows, sheep, goats and buffalo, contains two types of protein. The solid portion of milk known as the curd contains casein, while the liquid portion of milk, known as the whey, contains the whey protein. Approximately 2.5 percent of children under the age of 3 suffer from a milk allergy in which the immune system abnormally responds to either or both milk proteins, as reported by the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Symptoms of a casein allergy include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and rash. Some children may also develop intolerance to casein, which causes bloating, gas and diarrhea.
Theory
To date, the current research focused on autism spectrum disorders has failed to identify the exact cause of the condition. Scientists have developed a number of theories. One popular theory, known as the Opiod Theory for Autism, provides the basis for the GFCF diet. The Opiod Theory for Autism hypothesizes that when your body fails to completely break down the proteins casein and gluten, they form a compound known as an opiod peptide. An opiod is an internal compound that binds to the specialized receptors in the brain, and a peptide is a short protein chain. In some people, the intestines absorb these peptides due to a condition referred to as leaky gut syndrome. The peptides travel through the blood, cross the blood brain barrier and affect the central nervous system, triggering the symptoms of autism. For those who believe in this theory, eating a gluten-free and casein-free diet interrupts this process and reduces the symptoms.
Research
Scientists have conducted several research studies focused on the effectiveness of the GFCF diet in treating autism. One study published in the April 2009 issue of "Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders" performed a systemic review of 14 research studies. This study found that 7 of the 14 studies produced positive results in the effectiveness of the GFCF diet for autism, 4 found negative results, 2 produced mixed results and 1 could not provide any definitive data. Although half of the studies found that the GFCF diet reduced symptoms of autism, the results provide only suggestive evidence with no conclusive evidence. This study concludes that unless the patient specifically tests positive for intolerance to gluten or casein, a GFCF diet should not be used for treatment. In an article published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," registered dietitian Wendy Marcason states that with the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of the GFCF diet, parents should weigh the pros and cons of the GFCF diet for their child.
References
- Autism Society: Facts and Statistics
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; What is the Current Status of Research Concerning Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diets for Children Diagnosed with Autism?; Wendy Marcason, RD; 2009
- University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research: Celiac Disease FAQ
- Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network; Milk Allergy; May 2011
- "Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders"; Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diets in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders -- A Systemic Review; Mulloy et. al.; April 2009
