No True Link Between Autism and Celiac Disease, Study Finds
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Fuse/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Previous research suggesting connections between autism and celiac disease has led many parents of autistic kids to put them on restrictive diets. But researchers now say there is no real link between the two conditions.
To test the supposed link, European researchers reviewed the records of thousands of patients and the diagnostic biopsies that doctors had performed on them. They found that there was no association that existed between these disorders. However, they did find an increased risk of having a positive celiac blood test if the patient had autism. A further confirmatory test of the intestines on these patients tended to reveal no celiac disease.
This tendency toward a positive test when no celiac disease was actually present could go a long way in explaining the idea that a connection exists between autism and celiac disease.
While some doctors still recommend lifestyle adjustments and interventions consistent with celiac disease, based on the results of a positive antibody test, other doctors require further testing to confirm the results of this test before suggesting such approaches.
The study’s findings have been published in JAMA Psychiatry.
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