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Test Foods Study
Project No: 20
Project Area: Testing of challenge foods as part of the CANDAA study
Lead Researcher: Professor Ann LeCouteur
Institution: University of Newcastle
Date of application: April 2006
Status: Complete
Length: 1 year
This study was essential preparation for the CANDAA project, which is a large scale study into a gluten-free, casein-free diet. This study investigated the feasibility of producing test foods which were transportable, easy to prepare, palatable and suitable for daily consumption by young children with autism.
Heron Foods developed a range of test foods including a muffin, porridge and batter mix, lemon and almond cookies and chocolate krispie bars. The test foods were available in four versions. i) with gluten and casein added, ii) with added casein only, iii) with added gluten only, iv) with no gluten or casein added.
Families participating in the study received a supply of test foods but were not told which version. They also received detailed cooking instructions, along with behaviour and food preference questionnaires for self-completion. Parents offered their children the test foods for 28 days and recorded their daily consumption.
Most of the children tried at least some foods over the 28 days. Muffins and chocolate krispies were most readily accepted. Porridge and batter mix were least well liked. Following the trial, parents confirmed these findings and suggested an alternative savoury food item such as bread should be available.
The families involved demonstrated a high level of motivation and commitment to this study indicating their desire for dietary research in autism. The research team encountering considerable challenges in both the planning and execution of this study, but despite this, a range of test foods have been produced suitable for young children with autism.
This is the first study to develop and test a range of double-blind test foods for regular consumption by young children with autism. This is essential preparation for a large scale multicentered RCT of gluten and casein free diets in the management of autism.
Related Links
- Adams S. et al. (2008). Development of double blind gluten and casein free test foods for use in an autism dietary trial. J Hum Nutr Diet 21(4), p. 374. Read Abstract
- Gluten-free, casein-free diets
- Current and recent research page
Last Updated : 31/10/2008 Back to Top
