Casein-free Diet Research Articles

Assessment of Changes over Time of Lipid Profile, C-Reactive Protein Level and Body Mass Index in Teenagers and Young Adults on Different Diets Belonging to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background: Numerous scientific studies on patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggest a significant role of inflammation processes or lipid disorders in this spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Unfortunately, there is a lack of assessments of changes over time regarding level of lipids and inflammatory markers in people diagnosed with ASD using different diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and body mass index (BMI) in individuals diagnosed with ASD and healthy controls. Variables were assessed at two time points (2015/17 and 2017/20) for each subject. Methods: After applying the selection criteria, for the first assessment period, 96 participants were qualified (the group consisted of 59 males with ASD and 37 healthy volunteers, i.e., age-matched control group—CG). The final assessment included 93 participants (57 from ASD group and 36 from CG). Subjects were on low-fat diet (LFD), gluten–casein-free diet (GF–CF) and regular diet (RD), respectively. All members of CG were on regular diet. A fasting lipid profile and hs-CRP level were analyzed. BMI and percentiles were calculated. Eating habits were checked by analyzing data from questionnaires. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used separately for every assessment. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the medians of variables in the scheme of pairwise comparisons between control and ASD groups on different diets for separate assessment, while differences over time between variables were tested by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Statistically significant differences between BMI, CRP, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL-C and TC/HDL ratio were found in ASD group in comparison to healthy volunteers (increased BMI, CRP and TC/HDL and decreased HDL-C for all types of diets, increased TG in the group of LFD and RD individual and increased non-HDL-C in the group of GF–CF and RD individuals) during the first assessment period. The second assessment over time also showed increased levels of TC, non HDL-C and TC/HDL and decreased level of HDL-C for all ASD individuals regardless of diets used, while BMI and CRP increased only for individuals on LFD and RD. No statistically significant correlations between age of participants and other variables comparing with CG were found. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that targeted, individualized nutritional pattern and periodic screening for lipid and immune disorders would be beneficial for teenagers and adults diagnosed with ASD.

Training of Gluten and Casein Free Snack Processing for Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The gluten and casein-free (GCF) diet is one alternative ways in handling children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of this community service activities was to improve the attitudes, motivations and skills of the mothers in order to be able to prepare GCF diet that are safe for consumption by ASD children. The target participants of this community service activity were 25 mothers of ASD children from the Pondok Peduli Autis Foundation in Medan. Stages of implementation consisted of socializing the activities, pre-test, and counseling on a GFC diet, training and demonstrations on processing of GCF snacks, as well as evaluating activities in the form of a post-test. The GCF products made in the training activities were purple sweet potato pudding, pumpkin pudding, hunkwe pudding, corn bakwan, cassava omelette, cassava pastel, and cassava croquette with vegetables. The average pre-test results on the participants' knowledge about GCF diets was 45.6. After counseling twice by using a "Booklet" tools and training on the processing of GCF products, there was an increase in knowledge to 81.9. Furthermore, after regularly consuming the GCF foods prepared based on this program, more than 50% participants found their autis children improvement in learning concentration and no longer hyperactive.

Autism and Gut-Brain Axis: Role of Probiotics.

Characterized by a wide range of behavioural, social and language problems, autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual's capacity to communicate and interact with others. Although the real causes that lead to the development of autism are still unclear, the gastrointestinal tract has been found to play a major role in the development of autism. Alterations in macrobiotic compositions have been reported in autistic children. Irregularities in carbohydrate digestion and absorption could also explain some of the gastrointestinal problems reported in autistic patients, although their role in the neurological and behavioural problems remains uncertain. A relationship between improved gut health and decrease of symptoms in autism has been reported as well. Studies done to evaluate the gluten-free diets, casein-free diets, pre- and probiotic and multivitamin supplementation have shown promising results. Probiotics have been thought to alleviate the progression of autism and reduce cognitive and behavioural deficits.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ABOUT NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS.

ABSTRACTObjective: To identify and analyze the scientific evidence of nutritional interventions performed in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Data sources: A systematic review was conducted in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO and Periódicos CAPES databases, using a search strategy to identify studies published between January 2003 and March 2018, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Were included studies that described nutritional interventions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and assessed autistic behavior and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. We excluded other review articles and studies that did not include a control group in the research design. The studies were reviewed for descriptive information, and the quality of evidence was assessed through the GRADE system.Data synthesis: 18 studies were included in the review, being 16 randomized clinical trials, 1 case-control study and 1 open-label trial. As a result, the implementation of a gluten-free and casein-free diet was the most used intervention among the studies. Of the total, 10 studies showed a positive association of intervention with the evaluated results, while 8 did not find of a significant association.Conclusions: Although some authors report progress in the symptoms associated with autism in individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder undergoing nutritional interventions, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of nutritional supplements or dietary therapies in children and adolescents with autism.

Influence of a Combined Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet on Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 12-Month Follow-Up Clinical Trial.

The use of alternative interventions, such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets, is frequent due to limited therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our aims were to determine the influence of a GFCF diet on behavior disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD and the potential association with urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations. Thirty-seven patients were recruited for this crossover trial. Each patient consumed a normal diet (including gluten and casein) for 6months and a GFCF diet for another 6months. The order of the intervention (beginning with normal diet or with GFCF diet) was assigned randomly. Patients were evaluated at three time-points (at the beginning of the study, after normal diet and after GFCF diet). Questionnaires regarding behavior and autism and dietary adherence were completed and urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations were determined at each time-point. No significant behavioral changes and no association with urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations were found after GFCF diet. A 6-month GFCF diet do not induce significant changes in behavioral symptoms of autism and urinary beta-casomorphin concentrations. Further studies with a long follow-up period similar to ours and including placebo and blinding elements are needed to identify better those respondents to GFCF diets.

Parental use of conventional and complementary therapy for autism in Jordan

ObjectiveWe investigated parental use of conventional therapies and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for children with autism in Jordan. MethodThis prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2018 through December 2018 at the paediatric neurology clinics of three tertiary referral hospitals in Jordan. The accompanying parent was interviewed to complete a structured questionnaire. Results274 parents were interviewed. The most common medications used were those to treat hyperactivity (150; 54.7 %), anticonvulsants (60; 21.9 %), and sleep aids (6; 2.1 %). CAM was used by 129 parents (47.0 %). A casein-free diet was the most commonly used dietary modification (24; 8.7 %), while fish oil (Omega-3) was the most common supplement used (96; 35.0 %). Hyperbaric oxygen, chelation therapy, and antifungal treatment were also occasionally used. Higher parental education levels and access to rehabilitation services correlated with higher CAM use (p < 0.05).

Nutritional and Dietary Interventions of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: A Short Review

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 improving symptoms of ASD.

The role of pharmacists in the management of autism spectrum disorder: A survey to determine the knowledge and perception of the parents

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and has many causes including genetic, neurobiological, environmental, as well as other risk factors that can trigger the disorder. The aim of this survey is to determine the knowledge of the families about ASD, the most prescribed medications, their side effects and the alternative therapies used besides to the pharmacological treatment. This study was survey-based and conducted among parents of children with ASD (N=50). Risperidone, aripiprazole, and valproate were the most prescripted drugs (64%) and weight gain (n=14), increased aggressive behavior (n=11) and drowsiness/sedation (n=11) were reported as the main side effects. Besides to pharmacological therapy, most of ASD children have used complementary and alternative medicine like gluten and caseinfree diet (n =23) or the sugar diet (n=15), as well as omega-3 (n=43), multivitamins (n=40), heavy metal chelation agents (n=27), vitamin B12 (n=18), zinc (n=17) vitamin D (n=9), and probiotics (n= 7). It is revealed that pharmacists should be able to inform the parents about the general characteristics of ASD, and new treatment approaches, and provide a rational use of prescribed drugs in children with autism.

Influence of a Gluten-free, Casein-free Diet on Behavioral Disturbances in Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A 3-month Follow-up Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diet and dietary interventions have drawn considerable attention in the literature as etiopathogenic factors and therapeutic approaches to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), respectively. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet on the alterations of behavior in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD. We also aim to explore the possible association between ASD symptoms and urinary concentrations of beta-casomorphin. Methods: A total of 28 patients were recruited for this crossover clinical trial. Patients followed a normal diet (including gluten and casein) for three months and a GFCF diet for another three months. The order of the intervention —i.e., beginning with normal diet or with GFCF diet— was determined at random. The subjects were evaluated at three time points: at the onset of the study, after the first diet, and after the second diet. Each evaluation entailed three questionnaires on behavior and autism, a food frequency questionnaire (to determine adherence to the diet) and a determination of concentrations of beta-casomorphin in urine using chromatographic techniques. Results: No significant behavioral changes were found after a GFCF diet. No association was found between ASD symptoms and urinary concentrations of beta-casomorphin. Conclusion: A GFCF diet followed for three months do neither show significant changes in behavioral symptoms of autism nor in urine concentrations of beta-casomorphin using chromatographic detection. However, we need further studies including elements of placebo and double-blindness and more sophisticated beta-casomorphin detection techniques to better define subjects who might benefit from these diets.

Description of Parents’ Knowledge, Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) Intake Frequency and Autism Children Behavior in Palembang

Autism is a representation, a general characterized by "a bunch of failure" to describe and categorize individuals behavior describing failures in social relationships, communication, and imagination ability. To develop ability on children with autism to be close to normal, diagnosis methods through early, integrated and intensive treatment were used. One type of therapy for children with autism is through food or the so-called Gluten Free Casein Free (GFCF) diet therapy. The type of this research was descriptive with cross sectional design. The population in the study were all students with autism who were still active following treatment with a sample of 36 people who were taken by using purposive sampling. Results showed that mostly there are 80.6% parents who have knowledge, 55.6% samples never eat foods containing gluten, 50% samples never eat foods containing casein, 77.8% samples have a good energy intake, 100% samples have good protein intake, and 80.6% samples have mild autistic behavior. From the results of the study, it is expected that the parents can increase knowledge about the GFCF diet in order to improve their diet and reduce behavior disorders in autism children.

Literature Review: The Effects of a Gluten and Casein Free Diet on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This literature review examines various research articles to survey knowledge and identify existing problems in the study of a Gluten Free Casein Free diet on Autism Spectrum Disorder. It provides a survey of knowledge and a problem identification regarding the methodology of the articles. This manuscript identifies five diverse methods: Placed on Diet, Observations, Questionnaires, Medical Tests, and Psychometric Tests. The conclusion of this review addresses the problems with this field of study. Furthermore, it addresses the limitations of the small sample sizes, and potential problems with the methods used.

WITHDRAWN: Gluten- and casein-free diets for autistic spectrum disorder.

It has been suggested that peptides from gluten and casein may have a role in the origins of autism and that the physiology and psychology of autism might be explained by excessive opioid activity linked to these peptides. Research has reported abnormal levels of peptides in the urine and cerebrospinal fluid of people with autism. To determine the efficacy of gluten and/or casein free diets as an intervention to improve behaviour, cognitive and social functioning in individuals with autism. The following electronic databases were searched: CENTRAL(The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2007), PsycINFO (1971 to April 2007), EMBASE (1974 to April 2007), CINAHL (1982 to April 2007), ERIC (1965 to 2007), LILACS (1982 to April 2007), and the National Research register 2007 (Issue1). Review bibliographies were also examined to identify potential trials. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) involving programmes which eliminated gluten, casein or both gluten and casein from the diets of individuals diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder. Abstracts of studies identified in searches of electronic databases were assessed to determine inclusion by two independent authors The included trials did not share common outcome measures and therefore no meta-analysis was possible. Data are presented in narrative form. Two small RCTs were identified (n = 35). No meta-analysis was possible. There were only three significant treatment effects in favour of the diet intervention: overall autistic traits, mean difference (MD) = -5.60 (95% CI -9.02 to -2.18), z = 3.21, p=0.001 (Knivsberg 2002) ; social isolation, MD = -3.20 (95% CI -5.20 to 1.20), z = 3.14, p = 0.002) and overall ability to communicate and interact, MD = 1.70 (95% CI 0.50 to 2.90), z = 2.77, p = 0.006) (Knivsberg 2003). In addition three outcomes showed no significant difference between the treatment and control group and we were unable to calculate mean differences for ten outcomes because the data were skewed. No outcomes were reported for disbenefits including harms. Research has shown of high rates of use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) for children with autism including gluten and/or casein exclusion diets. Current evidence for efficacy of these diets is poor. Large scale, good quality randomised controlled trials are needed.

Current consensus on clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of autism spectrum disorder in children: A brief review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually presents in early developmental period, in children less than five years usually with poor social relations, verbal and nonverbal communications and stereotypic and repetitive behavior. The prevalence of ASD is increasing rapidly; especially in urban community of developed as well as developing nations.Combined interaction of genetic and environmental factors has been proposed as the possible neuropathogenetic mechanism underlying ASD. Children with ASD have specific abnormalities in functional connectivity of brain and altered fecal microbiota. Children with Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome and Tuberous sclerosis often have autistic features.Interviewing the caregiver and observation of the child is the only definitive way to confirm the diagnosis of ASD. Recently DSM V criteria have combined under a single umbrella all the autistic disorders including Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise satisfied. Apart from DSM V criteria, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) are also useful in diagnosis and evaluation of children with ASD. Autistic children are more likely to have hyperactivity, inattention, sleep abnormalities and epilepsy, as compared to general population. Applied behavioral analysis, sensory integration therapy and structured teaching are used in the management of autism spectrum disorder, along with atypical antipsychotics like Risperidone and Aripiprazole. Various complementary and alternative treatments like music therapy, oral probiotics and gluten free, casein free diet are currently under evaluation in various clinical studies.

Патофизиологическое обоснование персонифицированной метаболической терапии РАС. Перспективные методы лечения

A metabolic disorder is a serious problem. Changes that occur at the cellular level and are associated with biochemical processes lead to malfunctioning of the cell, and further, respectively, of tissue, organ, of the whole organism. Metabolic care is the basis of metabolic therapy. For almost every metabolic regimen of autism spectrum disorder, there is a counter-argument. For this reason, a unified approach to therapy is impossible, since, apart from the “autistic triad”, each person has his own peculiarities. At the present stage, in addition to a gluten-free and casein-free diet, vitamins of groups B and D, polyunsaturated fatty acids, various methods of microbiome correction are used in therapy, but there is no serious evidence base for the effectiveness of therapy for autism spectrum disorders. The article proposes options for the study of metabolic changes in the body, which are the rationale for the development of a scheme of metabolic therapy in the framework of a personalized medical approach to the treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Autism and celiac disease: a case in Marrakesh and review of the literature

Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a range of developmental disorders that affects communication and behavior with no known cause. Several epidemiological studies have explored a possible connection between celiac disease and ASD. Aims: to evaluate the association between celiac disease and ASD. The following case report reviews the history of a child with autism who after limited response to other interventions was placed on a gluten-free casein-free diet with marked improvement in autistic and medical symptoms. The screening for CD is recommended in all children with autism, even if no gastrointestinal symptoms are present.

The Efficacy of the Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet for Moroccan Autistic Children

The aims of this study are to verify the efficiency of gluten-free casein-free diet for children with autism spectrum disorder and to evaluate its impact on their nutritional profiles.30 children with autism spectrum disorder, between 6 and 12 years old, had been identified for the study. An analysis of biological matrixes was performed to detect the level of urinary peptides and essential elements. A gluten-free casein-free diet was administered for children with high urinary peptides level during one year, quarterly followed-up. The scale of autism was assessed by the “Childhood Autism Rating Scale” questionnaire. The findings, before the gluten-free casein-free diet, show that 20 children had high levels of urinary peptides and unnatural essential elements concentrations. At the end of the sixth diet month, the results show a large decrease in essential elements concentrations for the majority of children. After identifying these deficiencies, the diet was modified and fortified in a way that made it a supervised diet. We could, then, decrease the urinary peptides level for 40% of children, improve essential elements concentrations for 30% and decrease the autism severity for 30% of them. Our study has shown that only autistic children that present both very high urinary peptide and gastrointestinal problems respond positively to a gluten-free casein-free diet. This type of died should not therefore be systematic administered to all autistic children. On the other hand, the elimination diets run risk of having deficiencies which makes the supervision of a specialist required.

Does a gluten-free and casein-free diet help symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

Does a gluten-free and casein-free diet help symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

A prebiotic intervention study in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)

BackgroundDifferent dietary approaches, such as gluten and casein free diets, or the use of probiotics and prebiotics have been suggested in autistic spectrum disorders in order to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances. GI symptoms are of particular interest in this population due to prevalence and correlation with the severity of behavioural traits. Nowadays, there is lack of strong evidence about the effect of dietary interventions on these problems, particularly prebiotics. Therefore, we assessed the impact of exclusion diets and a 6-week Bimuno® galactooligosaccharide (B-GOS®) prebiotic intervention in 30 autistic children.ResultsThe results showed that children on exclusion diets reported significantly lower scores of abdominal pain and bowel movement, as well as lower abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Veillonellaceae family, but higher presence of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides spp. In addition, significant correlations were found between bacterial populations and faecal amino acids in this group, compared to children following an unrestricted diet. Following B-GOS® intervention, we observed improvements in anti-social behaviour, significant increase of Lachnospiraceae family, and significant changes in faecal and urine metabolites.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study where the effect of exclusion diets and prebiotics has been evaluated in autism, showing potential beneficial effects. A combined dietary approach resulted in significant changes in gut microbiota composition and metabolism suggesting that multiple interventions might be more relevant for the improvement of these aspects as well as psychological traits.Trial registrationNCT02720900; registered in November 2015.

Gluten free casein free diet as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment for children’s with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Gluten free casein free diet as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment for children’s with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)

Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder with Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet: The Underlying Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Mechanisms

There is a rising interest in the use of dietary interventions to ameliorate prevalent brain diseases, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nowadays, the existence of communication between gut and brain is well accepted and thus diet can influence brain functioning. A well-known nutrition based intervention for ASD is the gluten-free and casein-free diet. However, only some of the patients experience a relief in symptoms and thus efficacy seems to be limited to certain phenotypes. However, not much is known about the mechanism of action through which this diet might work, or about interpersonal differences that could lead to variation in response to the diet. Current evidence for efficacy of the GFCF diet is poor. Large scale, good quality randomized controlled trials are needed. Genetic and environmentally induced interpersonal differences were found in intestinal membrane permeability and blood brain barrier integrity as well as in activity of peptidase enzymes. These differences probably affect responsiveness to the diet. In addition, age and duration of the dietary intervention play a role in the efficacy of the gluten-free and casein-free diet. This is the reason why all these factors need to be taken into account to give appropriate advice about whether or not to follow this diet.