Gluten-Free and Casein-Free Diet Approach

TURKISH JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SPORT (TJHS), cilt.5, sa.2, ss.40-45, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

Abstract

Objective: A gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diet eliminates wheat, barley, rye, oats, and other glutencontaining

grains, as well as dairy products containing casein. The GFCF diet is based on the opioid mechanism

and has been explored for conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, nephrotic

syndrome (NS), and diabetes. While most reviews focus on ASD, our review examines the use, effects, and

potential mechanisms of the GFCF diet in ASD, schizophrenia, NS, and diabetes.

Materials and Method: We searched PubMed and Science Direct using the keywords “gluten-free and caseinfree

diet and side effects” and “diseases treated with gluten-free and casein-free diet.” Relevant sources were

selected from the search results.

Findings and Results: Data indicate that GFCF interventions may lead to positive behavioral changes and

reduced hospitalization duration in the studied conditions. However, these studies often have methodological

limitations and nutritional challenges due to the diet. It is premature to consider GFCF a definitive nutritional

therapy for these conditions. Future research should address these limitations and explore the opioid

mechanism. Additionally, developing gluten-free and casein-free products is crucial to prevent nutritional

inadequacies from both the disease and the diet.