Happy #FFF & ANS

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,
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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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

(by Elizabeth Strickland, MS, RD, LD) provides the expertise of a dietitian and an approach and strategy for dealing with dietary concerns of children with autism. (6) It includes elimination of artificial foods, limiting pesticide exposure, avoiding processed foods and added sugars (which would benefit anyone for better health). It also focuses on a balanced diet and dietary interventions for feeding problems and gastrointestinal issues. While gluten and casein elimination strategies are included, this book is not limited to addressing this as a main issue. It focuses more on quality nutrition – gaining the benefit of nutrient-dense foods within a well-balanced diet.


References:

3. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-05-20-autism20_ST_N.htm

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