A 48-year-old member asked:
Can a gluten-free diet treat autism?
5 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anthony LaBarberaanswered
Pediatrics 30 years experience
See below: There are people that believe diet and supplements can help autism, but there is not any reliable evidence. You can certainly try a gluten free diet. However, it can be a difficult diet to follow.
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5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Mark Diamondanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
No Convincing Eviden: Altho, it is safe to try the diet, there is no convincing evedence that it works. I have also not yet seen a patient with positive improvement. And the diet is extremely difficult and may take up to 4 months if it works at all.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Catherine EKWA-EKOKOanswered
30 years experience
Possibly: I have seen several children respond to a gluten-free diet within 2-4 months. This diet might take some getting used to, however there is an increasing amount of gluten-free items available. In addition a healthy diet of meat, fruits and vegetables, with limited sugar and artificial colors could benefit your child.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Johanna Fricke commented
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
See www.aap.org & Autism Society of America recommendations for diagnosis & treatment of gastrointestinal disorders before using GF/CF diet
Dec 18, 2012
Dr. Johanna Frickeanswered
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 52 years experience
Unless a child has: Gluten enteropathy (celiac disease) documented by specific laboratory tests, there's no medical reason to use a gluten-free diet. 7% of children with & without autism have celiac disease. Likewise, removing milk/milk products is necessary only for a milk protein allergy. There's no scientific evidence of efficacy of any medication or dietary manipulation in treatment of core symptoms of autism.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. William Singeranswered
Pediatric Neurology 53 years experience
No: Some children with autism have wheat sensitivity,but there is not yet sufficient evidence that eliminating glutinous will alter autism in general. However there is little downside risk for eliminating gluten from a diet.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 22, 2017
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