Happy #FFF & ANS – Mac-N-Mo's

Happy FFF Fun & Flexible Friday & ANS

Exciting news!!
MORSELICIOUS MIX has new packaging & The Morselist has been busy creating new recipes

using her mix!! Stay tuned!

Registered Dietitian, Lauren O’Connor ROCKS!!

Thank you, MORSELITES for your fantastic & smart questions:

Q: What is your opinion on relationship between food allergies and autism story? Any?

A: Thank you for your question. This is certainly an interesting topic and one worth more research and focus.

For those that may not be aware of this controversial topic,

earlier studies suggest that food allergies or insufficiency of a specific

vitamin or mineral may be causal to symptoms of autism,

thus specific dietary intervention may be beneficial.

Those who prescribe to such beliefs focus on a gluten-free, casein-free diet.

(1) However research is limited and views are mixed.

According to a 1995 study entitled: Food allergy and infantile autism,

an elimination diet of casein found in milk, showed

improved behavioral symptoms and and increase in casein

specific antibodies and other factors that may show

immunological signs of food allergy.

(2) A recent and more widely publicized study shows little connection

between food allergy and autism. The small study led by Susan Hyman,

a University of Rochester pediatrician, showed that after 4 weeks

of an elimination diet, weekly introductions of gluten or casein

given over the course of the following weeks, presented

no adverse behavioral pattens in the children involved.

Hyman attributes improved behavioral patterns to therapy and not diet. (3, 4)

My opinion is that dietary intervention is worth a try.

However, eliminating casein and gluten from the diet

may present nutritional challenges as caseins and gluten-containing foods

are very prevalent in our society. It is important for anyone following

such a diet to seek advice of a dietitian to ensure

nutrient needs are being met despite elimination of those said types of foods.

Dietary concerns:

Many of the now widely available gluten-free products don’t contain as much fiber as wheat, barley and other gluten bearing whole grain foods. Although newer gluten-free products are adding in more fiber and perhaps more fortification, the concern is that many of these products may also be lacking in Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron and Magnesium and/or other essential nutrients that are more likely present in gluten-containing products. (5) Starting a diet without fully understanding how to obtain nutritional balance can be a concern. Potential side effects of a gluten-free diet, may include health concerns, including unintended weight gain* (That is, if one doesn’t balance their diet with nutrient-dense foods).
Cow’s milk is a good source of protein (not to mention Calcium and Vitamin D). Limiting casein-containing foods also limits important vitamins/minerals, as well as, the types (and to some extent the amount) of protein-rich foods consumed. While soy and other casein-free beverages are often fortified and protein-rich, other dairy proteins such as low-fat milk-based yogurts and cottage cheeses may have to be replaced with alternative sources.
Fruits and vegetables are free of glutens and casein and should be consumed richly according to MyPlateguidelines. *However many people who are new to a gluten-free diet, gravitate toward, and fill up on, gluten-free processed foods – thus indirectly limiting their consumption of nutrient-dense plant-based foods. Furthermore, since behavioral interventions show potential, it is important to focus on counseling as well, and not rely solely on the diet, whether or not improvements seem steady and/or increased.

Here’s a dietary approach/strategy I think is worth considering:

A book entitled: A book entitled Eating for Autism: The 10-Step Nutrition Plan to Help Treat Your Child’s Autism, Asperger’s or ADHD