Urine tests for wheat- and milk-derived peptides are not likely to predict which children will respond to a gluten-free and/or casein-free diet.

Some people believe that children with autism suffer from a leaky gut which results in small proteins (peptides) being present in the urine. This study was designed to see whether peptides from wheat or milk were leaking from the gut and making their way into the urine of children with autism. The study did not find any of these small proteins (peptides) in the urine of the boys with autism or Asperger syndrome. The authors conclude that these urine tests are costly and not useful for choosing a diet therapy. The study did not look at whether or not gluten-free and/or casein-free diets are able to help children with autism. Read more...