Casein-free Diet For Autism

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental disorder that affects individuals in varying degrees. Autism affects one's ability to interact with others. Key signs of autism include delayed use of language, little eye contact, repetitive movements, lack of interest in relationships and a fixation on objects. There is no cure or specific treatment for autism, leading many parents to search for alternative treatments. Scientists speculate about a link between gastrointestinal symptoms and autism, which sparked an interest in utilizing special diets, such as a casein-free diet, to reduce the symptoms of autism.

Casein Effects

Some people cannot tolerate the protein found in milk. Milk contains two proteins: whey in the liquid portion and casein in the curd portion. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network reports that approximately 2.5 percent of children under the age of 3 suffer from a milk allergy. A milk allergy occurs when the proteins in milk trigger an allergic response that causes symptoms that include hives, rash, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Many more children develop an intolerance to milk proteins, which means they cannot completely break down the proteins.

Gastrointestinal Link

A study published in the February 2009 issue of the "Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology" reveals that 70 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit gastrointestinal problems, as compared to 28 percent of children without autism. Scientists hypothesize that children who cannot fully break down dietary protein, like casein, form short protein chains known as peptides. The intestines absorb these peptides, which enter the blood and travel to the brain, where they cross the blood-brain barrier. The peptides can then bind to the brain's opioid receptors -- the ones involved with the perception of pain -- and alter the function of the central nervous system, causing the symptoms of autism. Parents who believe in this theory, known as the Opioid Theory for Autism, use a casein-free diet, or a gluten-free and casein-free diet, to try to reduce the symptoms of autism.

Casein-Free Diet

Switching to a casein-free diet involves much more than just removing milk. Any dairy product produced from milk contains casein, including cheese, yogurt, ice cream and even some butter and margarine products. In addition, many pre-packaged and processed foods contain ingredients derived from milk or contain casein. To follow a casein-free diet, you must read food labels carefully to avoid ingredients like milk solids and sodium caseinate. Foods labeled as nondairy, such as whipped toppings, can still contain casein, as "nondairy" means only that the product contains less than 1/2 percent milk by weight. High-protein or protein-enriched foods may use casein as one of the added proteins.

Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet

Much of the research on dietary intervention for treating autism focuses on a gluten-free and casein-free, or GFCF, diet. Gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley foods, can also cause intolerance. If you suffer from gluten intolerance, gluten triggers your immune system to attack the cells lining the small intestine abnormally. This causes digestive symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. The Opioid Theory for Autism speculates that both gluten and casein may trigger the production of the peptides that interfere with the normal workings of the central nervous system. A systemic study published in the April 2009 issue of "Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders" reviewed the results of research that focused on the effectiveness of a GFCF diet in treating autism. This review concludes that studies that found any positive association between the diet and a reduction in symptoms provide only suggestive, not conclusive, evidence. More research needs to be completed to determine the usefulness of the GFCF diet for autism.