'Agricultural specialisterne': rural employment revolution for those with Autism

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A gluten-free, casein-free diet (GFCF diet) is a diet that eliminates dietary intake of the naturally occurring proteins gluten (found most often in wheat, barley, rye, and commercially available oats), and casein (found most often in milk and dairy products). A child on the Autism Spectrum can have a localised immune response in the gut that can lead to behavioural and psychological symptoms, even if testing has shown that they are free from gluten and casein allergies. According to a study done by researchers at Penn State last year, a GCFC Diet may do what many parents have reported in the past - it may help the symptoms of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

…[The team] found that a gluten-free, casein-free diet was more effective in improving [Autism Spectrum Disorders] behaviors, physiological symptoms and social behaviors for those children with GI symptoms and with allergy symptoms compared to those without these symptoms. Specifically, parents noted improved GI symptoms in their children as well as increases in their children’s social behaviors, such as language production, eye contact, engagement, attention span, requesting behavior and social responsiveness, when they strictly followed a gluten-free, casein-free diet…

It is quite hard to be strict on the GCFC diet as so many prepackaged foods contain these naturally occurring proteins.

An alternative is to only use a product like A2 milk instead of regular milk. A 1 and A2 Beta-casein are categories of proteins in milk with different chemical structures. The A2 Corporation believes that the difference in structures is important, but there is not enough evidence out yet to confirm a link between casomorphin BCM7 (produced when A 1 Beta-casein is digested) and common human illnesses, including Autism. A2 milk is only currently available in New Zealand and Australia, and to a much lesser extent in the United States: a2 Milk - About a2 Milk

Another alternative to doing the full, strict GCFC diet is to use a product which utilises Biocore’s dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV). DPP IV is a proprietary formulation of proteases providing a standardized DPP IV activity…

Certain peptide sequences resulting from the partial digestion of gluten proteins have been linked to the exacerbation of gastrointestinal conditions caused by autism spectrum disorders and irritable bowel diseases. One of the enzyme activities required to break down these peptides has been identified as [DPP IV]. The lack of this enzyme activity in the small intestine due to the above conditions prevents the digestion of these peptide fragments. These peptide fragments, if left undigested, are thought to elicit immune responses that can inflame the lining of the small intestine. Also, in the case of autism spectrum disorders it has been postulated that these peptides have systemic effects that can cause certain symptoms of autism…

There are also related (identical?) probiotics products (‘HLC Mindlinx’ by Pharmax and ‘HMF Neuro’ by Genestra) that contain specifically selected strains of Lactobacillus crispatus (CLT221) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (CLT341) which are said to have been proven in scientific trials to degrade wheat and dairy exorphins. HMF Neuro is marketed as the first probiotic specifically developed for gluten and casein intolerant people including those with Autism Spectrum Disorders…

The new Lactobacillus rhamnosus species have the capability of breaking down the exorphin peptides which can be produced in excess in the intestines of autistic children. In addition to possessing peptide-hydrolysing abilities, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and the two strains of L. acidophilus assist with mercury detoxification and helps to heal the mucosal barrier and restore the intestinal tract. Research shows that autistic children have significantly higher gastrointestinal tract disorders, and have increased intestinal permeability consequently leading to the accumulations of toxins such as heavy metals, in particular mercury, and undigested proteins in the lymph, circulatory and central nervous systems, triggering systemic abnormalities. Undigested proteins, from foods containing gluten and casein, can lead to the production of aberrant peptides with opioid activity or ‘exorphins’ in the intestines. HMF Neuro Capsules helps heal and maintain the integrity of the intestinal tract…

Finally, for a good summary on the various diets being used to treat Autism, see this link: Nourishing Hope: Autism Nutrition

(sources: Gluten-free, casein-free diet may help some children with autism, research suggests; a2 Milk - About a2 Milk; http://www.nationalenzyme.com/pdf-downloads/biocore-bg/dppiv-bg.pdf; HMF Neuro by Genestra (NON-RETURNABLE))