# Non-celiac "gluten intolerance" **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 11, 2007, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-celiac-gluten-intolerance/403701 "2007-05-11T15:12:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![stolichnaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bcef8e/32.png) [@stolichnaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stolichnaya)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-celiac-gluten-intolerance/403701/1 "2007-05-11T15:12:53Z")
So this is a bit of a sensitive subject for me. But I would like to learn the current science on this condition- I’ve seens some threads aobut this but not this specific question. I know someone who is treated by a doctor who is described to me as kind of hybrid naturopath, an MD who is open to alternative treatments- first sort of red flag for me there. This person had gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms like minor seizures for years, and was bounced around from doctor to doctor with little success until this doctor, who did some blood tests and a scope for celiac sprue. The results were inconclusive, but the doc recommended a tryout of the gluten-free diet anyway. There have been tremendous symptom improvements, and no neurological problems since the diet began- it seems like it’s working great. How well-supported is the idea of a non-celiac gluten intolerance? Where can I learn more about the condition from a hard science perpective? There seem to be a lot of people who self-diagnose this, which is another red flag. ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-celiac-gluten-intolerance/403701/2 "2007-05-11T15:43:46Z")
> **[Gluten-free, casein-free diet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten-free%2C_casein-free_diet)** > > A gluten-free casein-free diet (GFCF diet), also known as a gluten-free dairy-free diet (GFDF diet), is a diet that does not include gluten (found most often in wheat, barley, and rye), and casein (found most often in milk and dairy products). It is most commonly discussed in relation to autism. While some proponents claim such diets can alleviate or cure autism symptoms—often relying on anecdotal or non-scientific evidence—there is no conclusive scientific support for these claims. Studies emplo... > [@](#): > > Further work determined opioid peptides such as casomorphines[3] (from casein) and gluten exorphines and gliadorphin (from gluten) as probable suspects, due to their chemical similarity to opiates. Reichelt hypothesizes that long term exposure to these opiate peptides may have effects on brain maturation and contribute to social awkwardness and isolation. On this basis, Reichelt and others have proposed a gluten-free casein-free diet to minimize the buildup of opiate peptides and promote typical development of brain function. More studies need to be done obviously, but I have noticed improvements in other peoples autistic children with removal of gluten. Could all be in the head I suppose but the medical world needs to study it a bit more before heads or tails can be made out of it. IMHO of course. > [@](#): > > Double blind on autistic children is very hard to do. Howver,we have run the urines blind and applied the strategy of two independent persons to carry out functional tests and evaluation. The results cannot possibly be placebo because they last for 4 years and those that quit diet show REGRESSION. In spite of ordaining longer time to complete the tests the children off diet could not complete tests easily finished when on diet. References: Knivsberg A-M et al (1990) Brain Dysfunction 3:315-327. Reichelt KL et al (1990) J Appl Nutrition 42:1-11. Reichelt KL et al (1994) Dev Brain Dysfunct. 7:71-85. > **[Domain Registered at Safenames](http://gluten-free.org/reichelt.html#four)** Loads to read by Kalle Reichelt M.D. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-celiac-gluten-intolerance/403701/3 "2007-05-11T16:18:52Z")
I’ve done some reading on gluten intolerance since I’m lactose intolerant and the two are closely connected. What I’ve learned to emphasize is that the important factor is the symptomatic relief. There is no good reason for a gluten-free diet to create such a change unless there was an underlying cause. Damage to the intestinal villi can have many causes, but the results are similar. Certainly your friend should continue to explore proper diagnosis to see if there are other steps that need to be taken. And not from a naturopath. Neurological symptoms need expertise.