Gluten-free and casein-free diets in the treatment of autism (original) (raw)
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A review of gluten- and casein-free diets for treatment of autism: 2005 - 2015
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements, 2015
The gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet is heralded by strong anecdotal parental reports to greatly improve and even "cure" symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Yet, to date, little conclusive empirical evidence exists supporting its use. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the state of the recent evidence regarding the use of GFCF diet for treatment of individuals with ASD. Methods: Five database providers (PubMed, Web of Knowledge, EBSCO, ProQuest, and WorldCat) were used to search 19 databases, yielding a total of 491 articles that were published through February 2015. Peer-reviewed articles published between January 2005 and February 2015 were included for review if study participants were identified as having ASD and if the study investigated the effects of the GFCF diet on ASD behaviors or the relationship between the diet and these behaviors. Results: Evaluation of search results yielded eleven reviews, seven group experimental studies including five randomized controlled trials, five case reports, and four group observational studies published during the last 10 years. These studies represent a marked increase in the number of reported studies as well as increased scientific rigor in investigation of GFCF diets in ASD. Conclusion: While strong empirical support for the GFCF diet in ASD is currently lacking, studies point to the need for identifying subsets of individuals (eg, those with documented gastrointestinal abnormalities) who may be the best responders to the GFCF diet. Identifying these subsets is critically needed to enhance rigor in this research area. Until rigorous research supporting the use of GFCF diet is reported, clinicians should continue to use caution and consider several factors when advising regarding implementation of the GFCF diet for individuals with ASD.
Are therapeutic diets an emerging additional choice in autism spectrum disorder management?
World Journal of Pediatrics, 2018
Background A nutritional background has been recognized in the pathophysiology of autism and a series of nutritional interventions have been considered as complementary therapeutic options. As available treatments and interventions are not effective in all individuals, new therapies could broaden management options for these patients. Our aim is to provide current literature data about the effect of therapeutic diets on autism spectrum disorder. Data source A systematic review was conducted by two reviewers independently. Prospective clinical and preclinical studies were considered. Result Therapeutic diets that have been used in children with autism include ketogenic and gluten/casein-free diet. We were able to identify 8 studies conducted in animal models of autism demonstrating a beneficial effect on neurophysiological and clinical parameters. Only 1 clinical study was found showing improvement in childhood autism rating scale after implementation of ketogenic diet. With regard to gluten/casein-free diet, 4 clinical studies were totally found with 2 of them showing a favorable outcome in children with autism. Furthermore, a combination of gluten-free and modified ketogenic diet in a study had a positive effect on social affect scores. No serious adverse events have been reported. Conclusion Despite encouraging laboratory data, there is controversy about the real clinical effect of therapeutic diets in patients with autism. More research is needed to provide sounder scientific evidence.
Autism, 1999
a b s t r a c t The opioid-excess hypothesis of autism suggests that autism is the consequence of the incomplete breakdown and excessive absorption of peptides with opioid activity (derived from foods which contain gluten and casein), causing disruption to biochemical and neuroregulatory processes. Biochemical evidence has indicated the presence of increased levels of peptides in the urine of people with autism, and previous behavioural studies have demonstrated a connection between the long term exclusion of gluten and casein from the diet and improvements in the behaviour of some children with autism. The introduction of a gluten-free diet to children with autism and associated spectrum disorders (n ϭ 22) was monitored over a 5 month period using a battery of parental and teacher interview/questionnaire sessions, observation reports, psychometric tests and urinary profiling. Results suggested that participants on a gluten-free diet showed an improvement on a number of behavioural measures. However there was no significant decrease in specific urinary compounds excreted when compared with controls and a gluten challenge group.
Nutritional and Dietary Interventions of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Short Review
2019
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of heterogeneous etiology, categorized by social communication deficits, repetitive or restrictive behaviors and interests. Epidemiological studies display that the incidence of autism is increasing, and the treatment of autism is vitally important. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to reorganize evidence on the effectiveness of vitamins, minerals, essential Fatty Acid, and a Gluten-Free and Casein-Free (GFCF) diet as a treatment for children with ASD. The existing nutrition and dietary therapies have been lectured and their effects on ASD symptoms have been discussed briefly considering specific research. Reviewing the studies showed that nutritional and dietary therapies improved the core symptoms of ASD. This review article investigates the importance of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and GFCF diet and the recent studies suggested that nutrition and dietary supplements may play an active role in ...
Therapeutic Diet against Autism -a critical review
Chronicle of Aquatic Science, 2023
The treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted challenge that necessitates a multidimensional approach. Genetic factors underlie susceptibility and symptomatology in ASD, emphasizing the importance of individualized interventions. Behavioral insights have uncovered intricate connections between diet and ASD behaviours, elucidating the potential for tailored nutritional strategies. The interplay between diet, nutrition, and ASD is complex. The therapeutic strategies are encompassing promising avenues and managing by marine ascidian-derived compounds, nutrigenomics, coenzyme Q10 supplementation, and the role of physical activity. Epigenetic approaches offer further promise, as dietary modifications may influence gene expression patterns. The future of ASD treatment lies in a comprehensive, evidence-based and individualized approach, with therapeutic diets at the forefront as a potential means of enhancing clinical management and improving the overall quality of life for individuals affected by ASD. The dynamic nature of this evolving field holds great potential for advancing our understanding of ASD and optimizing therapeutic strategies.
Elimination Diets in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Any Wheat Amidst the Chaff?
The use of complementary or alternative treatment approaches in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing, and the most popular of such approaches are diets that eliminate either gluten or casein, or both. The popularity of these diets indicates a need for more rigorous research into their efficacy. Owing to significant methodological flaws, the currently available data are inadequate to guide treatment recommendations. The purpose of this review is to examine the available trials of gluten/casein diets in children with ASDs regarding the strength of their findings and also concerning points that may be useful in the design of future studies. Seven trials of these diets in ASD are critically reviewed; 6 of these were uncontrolled trials and 1 used a single-blind design. All reported efficacy in reducing some autism symptoms, and 2 groups of investigators also reported improvement in nonverbal cognition. Design flaws in all of the studies weaken the confidence that can be placed in their findings. Careful double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to evaluate whether actual benefit undergirds the diets' popularity and to provide better guidance to clinicians and caregivers. The literature currently available suggests that diets eliminating both gluten and casein (rather than either alone) should be studied first and that outcome measures should include assessments of nonverbal cognition. J Dev Behav Pediatr 27:162Y171, 2006. Index terms: autism spectrum disorder, elimination diets, complementary, alternative medicine.
Nutrients, 2018
This study involved a randomized, controlled, single-blind 12-month treatment study of a comprehensive nutritional and dietary intervention. Participants were 67 children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 3-58 years from Arizona and 50 non-sibling neurotypical controls of similar age and gender. Treatment began with a special vitamin/mineral supplement, and additional treatments were added sequentially, including essential fatty acids, Epsom salt baths, carnitine, digestive enzymes, and a healthy gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free (HGCSF) diet. There was a significant improvement in nonverbal intellectual ability in the treatment group compared to the non-treatment group (+6.7 ± 11 IQ points vs. -0.6 ± 11 IQ points, = 0.009) based on a blinded clinical assessment. Based on semi-blinded assessment, the treatment group, compared to the non-treatment group, had significantly greater improvement in autism symptoms and developmental age. The treatment group had signific...
Dietary Approaches and Nutritional Complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dietary Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2022
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by poor social interaction, repetitive behavior, learning difficulties, cognitive issues, and unusual eating patterns. Different factors including genetic and environmental variables have been identified to increase the risk of developing ASD. Objective: The main objective of the present review is to investigate the dietary approaches and modifications to reduce the intricacies related to ASD. Results: Studies included in this review suggested that abnormalities in the gut microbiota are involved in the pathogenesis and severity of the disease. Medical nutrition therapy for ASD consists of excluding harmful food components such as gluten, casein, processed foods, and excessive sugars and increasing the consumption of omega-3 fats, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants. Furthermore, awareness regarding food labels might help to avoid food allergens in diet. Conclusion: Active dietary treatments including the use of dietary supplements and elimination of processed foods appear to reduce the complexities of ASD. Furthermore, support of health care professionals and adopting public health approaches might help to prevent adverse outcomes related to ASD. Future research is required to determine the prevalence of ASD and related outcomes in low/middle income countries as this area is highly neglected.