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Some people believe that that a form of yeast called candida albicans may cause autism.
They also think it may worsen some behaviour and health problems in people with autism.
They think that a yeast-free diet, alongside treatments to remove existing yeast concentrations in the body, can help resolve some of these problems.
We have been unable to identify any research evidence on the use of yeast-free diets as an intervention for people with autism.
Please read our Disclaimer on Autism Interventions
The aim of a yeast-free diet is to reduce or eliminate the harmful yeasts that some people believe produce toxins that can severely affect mental functioning and behaviour
We have been unable to identify any scientific trials of yeast-free diets used to treat the symptoms of autism published in peer-reviewed journals.
There are many potential risks to withdrawing normal or regular foods, especially from young children.
Some individuals with autism already have restricted diets, are faddy eaters and so on. Exclusion diets may reinforce repetitive, rigid eating patterns, add to the social impairment of autism, increase the risk of social isolation and constraints on family life as a consequence of the dietary restrictions and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
In the long term there might also be problems for the young people themselves who have conformed to the restrictions imposed by their parents' adherence to the strict diet and, as a consequence, are less willing to eat a healthy varied diet.
The supporters of the diet claim that it is suitable for anyone who is believed to be suffering from a yeast infection.
Rimland claims to have been gathering information on the possible link between autism and candida since 1966. The first recorded treatment using an anti-fungal drug, Nystatin, occurred in 1981 when it was also suggested that a yeast-free diet could be beneficial.
A yeast-free diet requires the individual to avoid or reduce two main types of foodstuff.
Yeast-free products, together with advice on their use, are available from chemists and a range of other suppliers in Europe and the USA.
These days some larger grocers and most supermarkets also stock yeast-free products. Many food labels state whether they contain yeast or yeast products, such as vinegar. It is also possible to make yeast-free foodstuffs from scratch, using yeast-free ingredients
Various support groups also produce advice about food content, yeast-free free foods, together with special yeast-free cookery books and so on. Dieticians can also help advise families
There are no known contraindications. However individuals with autistic spectrum disorder or their carers who have concerns about their or their child's diet should seek advice from a responsible health professional such as their health visitor or GP. This may lead to a referral to a dietician or nutritionist dietician - in particular one with experience of working with individuals with autism.
Some supporters of the diet recommend a trial for 5-14 days, followed by a high exposure to see if the diet makes a difference. If it does, it should be continued long-term.
This complex, restrictive diet is very time consuming and difficult to follow.
It requires someone to buy and prepare appropriate foodstuffs for every meal. It also requires someone to check apparently harmless foodstuffs, such as snacks, to make sure they do not contain yeast or the foodstuffs that yeast thrives on even in very small amounts.
It involves learning about dietary ingredients of most foods, practicing new menus and recipes, and checking food contents when shopping.
In addition it affects the whole family whether or not everyone has decided to follow the diet. This often causes significant stress and pressure.
There are no formal, internationally validated registered qualifications for people using this intervention, since any individual, parent or carer can choose to implement the diet.
However, if someone is contemplating such as significant change of diet they should definitely seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner, paediatrician and/or dietician.
The British Dietetic Association has information about qualified dieticians in the UK.
There is no scientifically valid or reliable evidence that yeast-free diets are effective in the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders.
However there are numerous aneccdotal reports which claim that yeast-free diets are effective in the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders.
The lack of scientific evidence does not prove or disprove the effectiveness of such treatments for people with autistic spectrum disorders. It may simply show how little research has been conducted to date.
There are a numerous reports of the use of exclusion diets from many sources, including parents' accounts, published reports, information from independent organisations and websites.
‘Many people ask us whether this treatment has been a cure; for our son. We cannot say that it has been, but we cannot say that it has not been. Avi still does not talk fluently, but he has words, and can communicate. He types independently, too.
‘Talking is not the only important part of life. Avi now is able to relate to people emotionally. He is out of pain. This treatment has been the foundation of a better life for Avi. Without dietary intervention and nystatin, Avi could not have benefitted (sic) from any other treatment. He is in school in an integrated setting, a regular school and a regular classroom, with an aide, and has been since first grade. Avi has now started his fourth year of high school, and is doing great’.
(Source: Bruce Semon, Wisconsin Institute of Nutrition website, September 2007.)
It is unlikely that a formal trial evaluation could be carried out at the present time as the information on which a trial could be based particularly in respect of power calculations is not available.
Because of this an open pilot study could be an appropriate first step.
It is important to remember that many people, especially women, contract candida infections at different points in their lives, often without even knowing that they are infected because the symptoms are so mild.
There is, however, no evidence that even severe candidiasis in humans can produce changes within the brain that could lead to the impairments that characterise autism.
We have been unable to identify any scientific trials of yeast-free diets used to treat the symptoms of autism published in peer-reviewed journals.