These results are not terribly encouraging, but as they say, future research is probably needed...
Marilyn
* * * *
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16555138?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlusDrugs1
The gluten-free, casein-free diet in autism: results of a preliminary double blind clinical trial.
Elder JH, Shankar M, Shuster J, Theriaque D, Burns S, Sherrill L.
College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610, USA. [log in to unmask]
This study tested the efficacy of a gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet in treating autism using a randomized, double blind repeated measures crossover design. The sample included 15 children aged 2-16 years with autism spectrum disorder. Data on autistic symptoms and urinary peptide levels were collected in the subjects' homes over the 12 weeks that they were on the diet. Group data indicated no statistically significant findings even though several parents reported improvement in their children. Although preliminary, this study demonstrates how a controlled clinical trial of the GFCF diet can be conducted, and suggests directions for future research.
PMID: 16555138 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12153499?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlusDrugs1
Gluten and casein free diets in autism: a study of the effects on food choice and nutrition.
Cornish E.
Community Nutrition Service, South Derbyshire Community Health NHS Trust, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in possible dietary involvement in the aetiology and treatment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Research has focused on the physiological and behavioural effects of dietary change but has not examined the effect of exclusion diets on nutritional intake. AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine whether the removal of major dietary staples placed children with autism at risk of nutrient deficiency and compares their food choice with ASD children not following gluten and/or casein free diets. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to parents of children aged 3-16 years, diagnosed with ASD belonging to the National Autistic Society in Leicestershire and southern Derbyshire. Detailed dietary information and a 3-day food diary were collected. The sample size was small: those using gluten/casein free diets (n = 8) and those not following diet (n = 29). RESULTS: Nutrient intakes fell below the Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) in 12 children (32%) for zinc, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and riboflavin in the nondiet group and four children (50%) for zinc and calcium in the diet group. Fruit and vegetable intakes were higher and cereal, bread and potato consumption were lower in those children using gluten and/or casein free diets. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in the energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were found between the two groups of children. A longitudinal prospective study is suggested to examine whether differences in food choice are the result of dietary intervention or the prerequisite for the successful application of diet in this special group of children.
PMID: 12153499 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12959424?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlusDrugs1
Plasma amino acids profiles in children with autism: potential risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Arnold GL, Hyman SL, Mooney RA, Kirby RS.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA. [log in to unmask]
The plasma amino acid profiles of 36 children with autism spectrum disorders were reviewed to determine the impact of diet on amino acid patterns. Ten of the children were on gluten and casein restricted diets administered by parents, while the other 26 consumed unrestricted diets. No amino acid profile specific to autism was identified. However, children with autism had more essential amino acid deficiencies consistent with poor protein nutrition than an age/gender matched control group. There was a trend for children with autism who were on restricted diets to have an increased prevalence of essential amino acid deficiencies and lower plasma levels of essential acids including the neurotransmitter precursors tyrosine and tryptophan than both controls and children with autism on unrestricted diets. These data indicate that larger, more focused studies of protein nutrition in children with autism are needed in order to determine the extent to which restricted diets might place the developing brains of children with autism at risk from protein malnutrition. The high rate of tryptophan and tyrosine deficiency in this group is also of concern given their role as neurotransmitter precursors.
PMID: 12959424 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jessica Baker-Beasley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 5:34 PM
Subject: Re: New to paleo and missing bread!
> >I'm especially interested in this, my mum works with a lot of carers
>>of autistic people and I've been telling her for ages that autism is
>>diet-related. Have you got a link?
>
> Ashley, this is probably the BEST link I was able to find:
> http://www.glutensolutions.com/autism.htm
>
> Hope it helps!
>
>
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