Gluten, casein-free diet not helpful to Autistic kids

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Gluten, casein-free diet not helpful to Autistic kids

English.news.cn 2010-05-20 09:25:19

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhuanet) -- To the surprise of many families, a popular

gluten-free, casein-free diet does not help children with autism, a study to be

presented on May 22 at the International Meeting for Autism Research in

Philadelphia showed.

The study involved 14 children aged 2 to 5. They were put on the the diet for at

least four weeks then given snacks containing gluten, casein, both or neither.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and other grains, while casein is a

milk protein.

The researchers evaluated the children for changes in attention, sleep, stool

patterns and characteristic autistic behavior.

The study did not show significant changes in any of these symptoms for any of

the groups.

There were no differences after the changes, the researchers told the

International Meeting for Autism Research in Philadelphia.

" The removal of gluten and casein from the diet of a controlled group of young

children with autism, all of whom were screened for celiac disease ... did not

demonstrate a change in sleep habits, bowel habits, activity or core symptoms of

autism, " said Dr. Hyman of the University of Rochester in New York, who

led the study.

Autism, which affects as many as 1 in 100 children in U.S., includes a range of

conditions, from the social awkwardness seen in Asperger's syndrome to profound

and severe disabilities.

(Agencies)

Editor: Lu Hui