Research on Diet and Autism/PDD/Asperger's

Printer friendly format
Diet & Autism/PDD/Asperger's
Often called the "Autism Spectrum Disorders"

Home ||| Research Menu Page ||| Updated 3/10/2008

Listed in alphabetical order, by last name of primary investigator:

Alberti 1999 Sulphation deficit in "low-functioning" autistic children: a pilot study.

Cade 2000 Autism and Schizophrenia: Intestinal Disorders.

Clark 1999 Autistic symptoms in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

Fernstrom 2000 Can nutrient supplements modify brain function?

Harris 1998 Inhibition of phenolsulphotransferase by salicylic acid: a possible mechanism by which aspirin may reduce carcinogenesis.

Leboyer 1993 Opiate hypothesis in infantile autism? Therapeutic trials with naltrexone.

Lucarelli 1995 Food allergy and infantile autism.

Martineau 1985 Vitamin B6, magnesium, and combined B6-Mg: therapeutic effects in childhood autism.

McDougle 1996 Effects of tryptophan depletion in drug-free adults with autistic disorder.

Mutter 2005 Mercury and autism: Accelerating Evidence?

Mutter 2005 Amalgam risk assessment with coverage of references up to 2005 (Review)

Rimland 1978 The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: a double-blind crossover study.

Singh 1976 Wheat gluten as a pathogenic factor in schizophrenia.

Vojdani 2003 Infections, toxic chemicals and dietary peptides binding to lymphocyte receptors and tissue enzymes are major instigators of autoimmunity in autism.

Note on gluten/casein studies

Other studies on Vitamin B6 & Autism

Vitamin B6 and Magnesium by Stephen Edel

DAN! Webcasts - You can download and watch the presentations from each of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) conferences. It is a free service of the Autism Research Institute.

.

Sulphation deficit in "low-functioning" autistic children: a pilot study, Alberti A, Pirrone P, Elia M, Waring RH, Romano C, Biological Psychiatry 1999 Aug 1;46(3):420-4
"The hypothesis that autistic behavior might be related to metabolic dysfunctions has led us to investigate in a group of "low functioning" autistic children and in an age-matched control group each made up of 20 subjects, the sulphation capacity available. ... RESULTS: The PS/PG ratio in the group of autistic subjects gave a significantly lower results than the control group ... CONCLUSIONS: The inability to effectively metabolize certain compounds particularly phenolic amines, toxic for the CNS, could exacerbate the wide spectrum of autistic behavior." [See also HARRIS STUDY HERE for info about salicylate & the PST enzyme]
TOP

.

Autism and Schizophrenia: Intestinal Disorders, Cade R et al. Nutritional Neuroscience, March 2000
". . . A gluten-casein free diet was accompanied by improvement in 81% of autistic children within 3 months. Our data provide support for the proposal that schizophrenia and autism are due to absorption of exorphins formed in the intestine from digestion of gluten and casein."
TOP

.

Autistic symptoms in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, Clark T, Feehan C, Tinline C, Vostanis P, Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 1999 Mar;8(1):50-5
"...This study estimates the rate of autistic symptoms in a sample of children with ADHD by using the parent-rated Autism Criteria Checklist. A high proportion of parents (between 65-80%) reported significant difficulties in social interaction (particularly in empathy and peer relationships), and communication (particularly in imaginative ability, nonverbal communication and maintaining conversation). The nature and relationship between ADHD and pervasive developmental disorders is considered, as well as implications for assessment, diagnosis and treatment."
TOP

.

Can nutrient supplements modify brain function? Fernstrom JD, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000 Jun;71(6 Suppl):1669S-1673S
"Over the past 40 y, several lines of investigation have shown that the chemistry and function of both the developing and the mature brain are influenced by diet. Examples are the effect of folate deficiency on neural tube development during early gestation, the influence of essential fatty acid deficiency during gestation and postnatal life on the development of visual function in infants, and the effects of tryptophan or tyrosine intake (alone or as a constituent of dietary protein) on the production of the brain neurotransmitters derived from them (serotonin and the catecholamines, respectively). ... "
TOP

.

Inhibition of phenolsulphotransferase by salicylic acid: a possible mechanism by which aspirin may reduce carcinogenesis, Harris RM, Hawker RJ, Langman MJ, Singh S, Waring RH, Gut 1998 Feb;42(2):272-5
"RESULTS: Salicylic acid consistently and selectively inhibited the P form of phenolsulphotransferase at subtherapeutic concentrations in both tissue samples. A 50% inhibition of sulphation by the P phenolsulphotransferase occurred at salicylic acid concentrations of about 40 and 130 microM in platelets and bowel mucosa respectively." [While this is a possible benefit in inhibiting cancer, it may not be a benefit in ADHD and Autism. See ALBERTI STUDY HERE]
TOP

.

Opiate hypothesis in infantile autism? Therapeutic trials with naltrexone, Leboyer M, et al., Encephale 1993 Mar-Apr;19(2):95-102
"The opioid hypothesis suggests that childhood autism may result from excessive brain opioid activity... This hypothesis has now received strong support and is currently based on three types of arguments: (1) similarity between autistic symptomatology and abnormal behaviors induced in young animals by injections of exogenous opioids, such as increasing social aloofness and decreasing social vocalization; (2) direct biochemical evidence of abnormalities of peripheral endogenous opioids being reported in autism and (3) therapeutic effects of the long lasting opioid receptor blocking agent naltrexone in autism. ... We performed an open trial with naltrexone in 2 autistic girls, displaying serious self-injurious behavior, reduced crying and a marked preference for salty and spicy foods, symptoms that could be related to a dysfunction of the opioid system. ... we observed an immediate reduction of hyperactivity, self-injurious behavior and aggressiveness, while attention improved. In addition, social behaviors, smiling, social seeking behaviors and play interactions increased..."
Note: In our materials, we discuss treatment by removing the food items that produce the opioid proteins (the gluten-free, casein-free diet), and you can see more about this at www.gfcfdiet.com. The Leboyer et al study here shows the opioid presence, but recommends treatment by suppression of reaction to opioid by medication that blocks the receptors.
TOP

.

Food allergy and infantile autism. Lucarelli S, et al., Panminerva Med 1995 Sep;37(3):137-41
"...We noticed a marked improvement in the behavioural symptoms of patients after a period of 8 weeks on an elimination diet ... Our results lead us to hypothesise a relationship between food allergy and infantile autism as has already been suggested for other disturbances of the central nervous system."
TOP

.

Vitamin B6, magnesium, and combined B6-Mg: therapeutic effects in childhood autism., Martineau J, Barthelemy C, Garreau B, Lelord G, Biol Psychiatry 1985 May;20(5):467-78
"... The behavioral improvement observed with the combination vitamin B6-magnesium was associated with significant modifications of both biochemical and electrophysiological parameters: the urinary HVA excretion decreased, and EP amplitude and morphology seemed to be normalized. These changes were not observed when either vitamin B6 or magnesium was administered alone."
TOP
.

Effects of tryptophan depletion in drug-free adults with autistic disorder. McDougle CJ, et al., Arch Gen Psychiatry 1996 Nov;53(11):993-1000
"...Tryptophan depletion led to a significant increase in behaviors such as whirling, flapping, pacing, banging and hitting self, rocking, and toe walking ... In addition, patients were significantly less calm and happy and more anxious...short-term reduction of serotonin precursor availability may exacerbate some symptoms characteristic of autism in some patients."
Note: Tryptophan is contained in numerous foods such as milk and turkey. In a milk-free diet, it may be important to increase other foods containing tryptophan
TOP

Mercury and autism: Accelerating Evidence?, Mutter J, Naumann J, Schneider R, Walach H, Haley B. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Oct;26(5):439-46.
" Institute for Environmental Medicine and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Freiburg, Germany. joachim.mutter@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
. . . Recently, it was found that autistic children had a higher mercury exposure during pregnancy due to maternal dental amalgam and thimerosal-containing immunoglobulin shots. It was hypothesized that children with autism have a decreased detoxification capacity due to genetic polymorphism. In vitro, mercury and thimerosal in levels found several days after vaccination inhibit methionine synthetase (MS) by 50%. . . . Repetitive doses of thimerosal leads to neurobehavioral deteriorations in autoimmune susceptible mice, increased oxidative stress and decreased intracellular levels of glutathione in vitro. Subsequently, autistic children have significantly decreased level of reduced glutathione. Promising treatments of autism involve detoxification of mercury, and supplementation of deficient metabolites. "

TOP

Amalgam risk assessment with coverage of references up to 2005 Mutter J, Naumann J, Walach H, Daschner F., Gesundheitswesen. 2005 Mar;67(3):204-16.
" Institut fur Umweltmedizin und Krankenhaushygiene, Universitatsklinik Freiburg. joachim.mutter@uniklinik-freiburg.de
. . .Amalgam contributes substantially to human mercury load. Mercury accumulates in some organs, particularly in the brain, where it can bind to protein more tightly than other heavy metals (e. g. lead, cadmium). Therefore, the elimination half time is assumed to be up to 1 - 18 years in the brain and bones. Mercury is assumed to be one of the most toxic non-radioactive elements. . . . Review of recent literature suggests that mercury from dental amalgam may lead to nephrotoxicity, neurobehavioural changes, autoimmunity, oxidative stress, autism, skin and mucosa alterations or non-specific symptoms and complaints. The development of Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis has also been linked to low-dose mercury exposure. There may be individual genetical or acquired susceptibilities for negative effects from dental amalgam. Mercury levels in the blood, urine or other biomarkers do not reflect the mercury load in critical organs. Some studies regarding dental amalgam reveal substantial methodical flaws. Removal of dental amalgam leads to permanent improvement of various chronic complaints in a relevant number of patients in various trials. Summing up, available data suggests that dental amalgam is an unsuitable material for medical, occupational and ecological reasons. "

TOP

.

The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: a double-blind crossover study., Rimland B, Callaway E, Dreyfus P, Am J Psychiatry 1978 Apr;135(4):472-5
The authors used data from an earlier nonblind study to identify 16 autistic-type child outpatients who had apparently improved when given vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). In a double-blind study each child's B6 supplement was replaced during two separate experimental trial periods with either a B6 supplement or a matched placebo. Behavior was rated as deteriorating significantly during the B6 withdrawal.
TOP

.

Wheat gluten as a pathogenic factor in schizophrenia. Singh MM, Kay SR, Science 1976 Jan 30;191(4225):401-2
"...The observed effects seemed to be due to a primary schizophrenia-promoting effect of wheat gluten."
This study is included because there appears to be overlap in both symptoms and treatment between schizophrenia and autism which was once called "childhood schizophrenia."
TOP
.

Infections, toxic chemicals and dietary peptides binding to lymphocyte receptors and tissue enzymes are major instigators of autoimmunity in autism Vojdani A, Pangborn JB, Vojdani E, Cooper EL., International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 2003 Sep-Dec;16(3):189-99
" Similar to many complex autoimmune diseases, genetic and environmental factors including diet, infection and xenobiotics play a critical role in the development of autism. In this study, we postulated that infectious agent antigens such as streptokinase, dietary peptides (gliadin and casein) and ethyl mercury (xenobiotic) bind to different lymphocyte receptors and tissue enzyme (DPP IV or CD26). ... A significant percentage of children with autism developed anti-SK, anti-gliadin and casein peptides and anti-ethyl mercury antibodies, concomitant with the appearance of anti-CD26 and anti-CD69 autoantibodies. ... bacterial antigens (SK), dietary peptides (gliadin, casein) and Thimerosal (ethyl mercury) in individuals with pre-disposing HLA molecules, bind to CD26 or CD69 and induce antibodies against these molecules. In conclusion, this study is apparently the first to demonstrate that dietary peptides, bacterial toxins and xenobiotics bind to lymphocyte receptors and/or tissue enzymes, resulting in autoimmune reaction in children with autism. "
TOP
.
Note on "negative" studies of gluten/casein-free diet for autism or schizophrenia:
Several studies were done that showed no connection between gluten/casein control and autism. Close inspection of some of these studies is interesting:

In the Sponheim study of 1991, and the Vlissides study on schizophrenia of 1986, the diet used apparently did not exclude casein, but only gluten. Since both proteins have similar effects, it is not surprising that they saw no difference before and after the 6 month diet trial. "If you limp because you have 2 nails stuck in your shoe, and you take out one, you will still be limping."

The Storms study of 1982 used a gluten/casein diet but for only 10 days. It takes longer than that to see a response, according to Dr. Cade.

TOP

Alberti 1999	Sulphation deficit in "low-functioning" autistic children: a pilot study.
Cade 2000	Autism and Schizophrenia: Intestinal Disorders.
Clark 1999	Autistic symptoms in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
Fernstrom 2000	Can nutrient supplements modify brain function?
Harris 1998	Inhibition of phenolsulphotransferase by salicylic acid: a possible mechanism by which aspirin may reduce carcinogenesis.
Leboyer 1993	Opiate hypothesis in infantile autism? Therapeutic trials with naltrexone.
Lucarelli 1995	Food allergy and infantile autism.
Martineau 1985	Vitamin B6, magnesium, and combined B6-Mg: therapeutic effects in childhood autism.
McDougle 1996	Effects of tryptophan depletion in drug-free adults with autistic disorder.
Mutter 2005	Mercury and autism: Accelerating Evidence?
Mutter 2005	Amalgam risk assessment with coverage of references up to 2005 (Review)
Rimland 1978	The effect of high doses of vitamin B6 on autistic children: a double-blind crossover study.
Singh 1976	Wheat gluten as a pathogenic factor in schizophrenia.
Vojdani 2003	Infections, toxic chemicals and dietary peptides binding to lymphocyte receptors and tissue enzymes are major instigators of autoimmunity in autism.
Note on gluten/casein studies
Other studies on Vitamin B6 & Autism
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium by Stephen Edel
DAN! Webcasts - You can download and watch the presentations from each of the Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) conferences. It is a free service of the Autism Research Institute.