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DIETARY(from Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD by William Shaw, Ph.D - "Dietary Intervention for the Treatment of Autism: Why Implement a Gluten and Casein Free Diet?") Gluten is a protein found in the Plant Kingdom Subclass of Monocotyledonae. These include wheat, oats, barley and rye. Casein is a phospho-protein of milk and has a molecular structure similar to gluten. Proteins consist of long chains of amino acids. Intestinal enzymes normally digest them, breaking the bonds that connect the protein's amino acids. Genetic mutations, caused by changes in the DNA, can mean that specific enzymes cannot do their work. An incomplete digestive process would leave amino acids bound into short chains called peptides. If the peptides still function as opioids they can result in symptoms we see in autism. Two commonly ingested proteins are known to break down into peptides that have opioid activity. Casein breaks down to produce a peptide called casomorphine. Gluten breaks down to form gliadinomorphins. The amino acid sequences of these two molecules are similar. If one lacks the ability to break down these proteins appropriately, there must be a strategy for reducing the effects of the resulting opioids to minimize neurological effects. |
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Steve Smith/Maceo Boston |
