Link Between Autism & Food Intolerance

According to new research, autism could be triggered by food allergies or intolerances.

A study of almost 200,000 children found those with autism were more than two and a half times as likely to suffer food allergies. As yet the research cannot confirm which comes first, the allergy or ASD.

26.89 percent of children with ASD had skin allergies, whilst only 9.84 percent of those who were not autistic. 18.73 percent of children with ASD suffered respiratory allergies whilst 12.08 percent of children without.

According to the National Autistic Society more than one in 100 people are on the autistic spectrum. It is thought possible causes are genetic, viral or metabolic with triggers including German measles.

Autism has been suspected of being linked to allergies and intolerances for more than 20 years. A study found a large proportion of autistic children, particularly those with late onset autism, responded well to a wheat and dairy free diet.

This is also our experience in our clinics. Making dietary changes can be a huge benefit along with correcting any nutritional deficiencies that are common. Supplements using good quality vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids often prove beneficial.