The gluten-free, casein-free diet in autism: results of a preliminary double blind clinical trial.
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.
College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32610, USA. elderjh@nursing.ufl.edu
Jennifer Harrison
JH
Elder
Meena
M
Shankar
Jonathan
J
Shuster
Douglas
D
Theriaque
Sylvia
S
Burns
Lindsay
L
Sherrill
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002364:Caseins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004032:Diet; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005983:Glutens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects
D002364:Caseins; D005983:Glutens