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

Introduction: The objective of the present 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 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We also aim to explore the possible association between ASD symptoms urinary concentrations of beta-casomorphin. Methods: A total of 28 patients were recruited. Patients followed a normal diet for three months and a GFCF diet for another three months. The order of the intervention was determined at random. The subjects were evaluated at three time points (basal, after the first diet, and after the second diet). Each evaluation entailed three questionnaires on behavior and autism, a food frequency questionnaire and a determination of the concentration of beta-casomorphin in urine. 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 ASD. We need further studies that including double-blindness and sophisticated detection techniques to better define subjects who might benefit from these dieDiet 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 the present study was to determine the influence of agluten-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 urinary concentrations of beta-casomorphin.