UTx: Diet And Autism Research Focuses On Which Foods May Affect Autistic Behavior

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Diet And Autism Research Focuses On Which Foods May Affect Autistic Behavior

ScienceDaily (Aug. 9, 2008) ---

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807175440.htm

Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

have embarked on one of the first double-blind, clinical studies to

determine whether gluten and dairy products play a role in autistic

behavior as parents have anecdotally claimed.

The pilot study is one of seven current studies on autism in the

Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral

Sciences at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

" There's a lot of misinformation, so that's why this study is so

important, " said Navarro, M.D., assistant professor of

pediatrics at the medical school and lead investigator of the study.

" Hundreds and hundreds of parents think this works but we need serious

evidence. "

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder linked to early

abnormalities of brain development. According to the National Institute

of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, it affects up to six of every

1,000 children and is characterized by impaired social interaction,

problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and unusual, repetitive

or severely limited activities and interests.

Researchers have discovered that there are differences in the central

nervous system's anatomy and function in those diagnosed with autism,

but the cause of the disorder is unknown. Experts theorize it may be a

combination of genetics and environment.

" A lot of children with autism have gastrointestinal problems such as

constipation and diarrhea. Whether these problems are related to brain

development is open to question, " said Loveland, Ph.D.,

co-investigator and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences,

pediatrics and biomedical sciences at the health science center. " There

are neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors in the gut that correspond with

those in the brain. There are some scientific reasons to think that some

kids may benefit from this diet. "

For the double-blind study, funded in its initial phase by supplemental

funds granted by the Department of Pediatrics, researchers will enroll

38 autistic children ages 3 to 9. They will look at the influence of

gluten and milk proteins in the intestinal function. Gluten is a protein

in wheat; casein and whey are proteins in milk. Casomorphin, a peptide

in milk; and gliadomorphin, a peptide in gluten, are thought to be

related to changes in behavior in these children. Children will be taken

off gluten and dairy products before the four-week study and then half

will be given gluten/milk powder and half will be given a placebo powder.

Researchers will study intestinal permeability (leaky gut) through urine

collection and behavior through psychometric testing.

Co-investigators for the study are J. Marc Rhoads, M.D., professor and

director of gastroenterology at the medical school, and Deborah A.

Pearson, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Children will be enrolled through the UT Physicians pediatric

gastroenterology clinic and The University of Texas Mental Sciences

Institute. Navarro and Rhoads are attending physicians at Memorial

Hermann hospitals. For more information on the study, call .

Adapted from materials provided by University of Texas Health Science

Center at Houston.

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