Since 1960s, a hypothesis has floated around in the medical community that a gluten-free and casein-free diet (GFCF Diet) may ameliorate autism symptoms significantly. Success stories abound online. But is it really true that GFCF Diet helps? Turns out that medical evidence is limited (very few high quality studies). Why? Dr Greger's videos explain.
Dr Greger has an early video from 2012. He then prepared a 6-part video series in 2017 on the subject which explains the history of the GFCF Diet hypothesis — how did it emerge in the first place? He also summarizes interventional studies conducted to test the hypothesis.
Articles by Dr Greger:
Videos by Dr Greger:
(2 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Opiate-like casomorphins liberated from the cow's milk protein, casein, are accused of participating in the cause of such conditions as autism, crib death, type I diabetes, postpartum psychosis, circulatory disorders, and food allergies."
(5 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "Casomorphins — breakdown products of casein, a milk protein, with opiate-like activity — may help explain why autism symptoms sometimes improve with a dairy-free diet. "
(8 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "The casomorphins — breakdown products of casein, a milk protein, with opiate-like activity — in bovine milk appear to have opposite effects than those from human breast milk on infant development, but what about A2 cow's milk?"
(7 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "What were the results of the first randomized controlled study of a dietary intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?"
(6 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "The original randomized, controlled trials of gluten- and casein-free diets may have been complicated by parental expectation bias."
(7 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "What happens when autistic children on gluten- and casein-free diets are covertly challenged with wheat and dairy?"
(5 mins) Transcript. Dr Greger's summary: "What did the most comprehensive double-blind study of diet for autism find, and what are the potential downsides?"
Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous Veggies & Autism — Sulforaphane & Autism
Glutamate & Excitotoxicity: Some theories are being developed along these lines: Autism, Excitotoxins & Glutamate Hypothesis
More info: Autism & WFPB