Autism and Casein from Cow’s Milk

Casomorphins—breakdown products of the milk protein casein with opiate-like activity—may help explain why autism symptoms sometimes improve with a dairy-free diet.

This is the first in a 6-video series on the role of gluten and dairy-free diets in the treatment of autism. Stay tuned for:

My last autism series explored the amazing story of broccoli sprouts put to the test for the treatment of autistic boys:

Other neat videos on milk and child and infant health include:

Thanks for watching. I hope you’ll join in the evidence-based nutrition revolution!
-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

Captions for this video are available in several languages. To find yours, click on the settings wheel on the lower-right of the video and then "Subtitles/CC."
To view the subtitles in transcript format, click on the ellipsis button below the video, choose "Open transcript", and select the language you'd like to view them in.

[GENERALTIM]

There is nothing quite so peculiar as the human ingestion of another species' milk, the logistics of it are absurd. Also, when asking the average person if they would drink a woman's breast milk they would reply with disgust, but milk from a cow is acceptable?...What a concept

[iamaddy]

I have autism I was 100% cows milk formula feed and thru out my childhood I eat lots of dairy. I went vegan over a year ago my autism got a lot better I also had asthma and sinus issues I was also over weight I was only 11 I have none of those issues anymore. Thank dr Gregor for this video. Am gonna go eat some broccoli now.

[dariaelbadewi]

Oh my. This is absolutely mind blowing. These are the kind of conversations we need to be having amongst each other.

[hakunamatata]

Now why isn't the urine test part of the diagnostic procedure? (As well as asking about dairy)

[Albopepper]

That soy milk is tasting pretty good right about now!

[mLify]

A gluten free diet definitely helped stop my son's meltdowns. We went GF when he was 3 and his daycare was stunned. "It's like he's a different child!" He stopped throwing things and screaming, and actually started talking to the other kids for the first time. We didn't go diary free until recently, but I haven't noticed an effect yet. But if it's helping at all, that's awesome.

[Παθεια_Γνωστικα]

Also, constipation after ingestion of cow's milk. Constipation — common side effect of opioids. I remember vividly how it was strong to eat a lot of vegetarian pizza, consisting of milk and bread with the feeling afterwards. Something opioid. I know how it feels because I tried opioids in the past.

[lucabt]

I'm so grateful for Dr.Greger's work. It will help me and my loved ones stay healthy. I owe you my grattitude Sir!

[enasksenos]

Thank you so much for what you're doing. People aren't ready to see those things yet.
When they decide to take a look themselves though, your work leaves no space for misunderstandings.
Much gratitude Doctor!

[patrickbateman]

And there are people doing GOMAD ( gallon of milk a day ) to get jacked, smh...

[Charlie-eqdj]

What is the name of the urine test that find the opioid peptides?

[JohnMurphyDe]

Can anyone tell me what Dr. Greger's opinion on noodles is?

[RehanaSara]

Very interesting! So glad I’m breastfeeding my vegan 7 month old 🙂

[MsRaquelGomez]

Thank you so much for the video! I would love to keep watching your researchs on how plant based diet can help individuals with Autism. Great work!

[jiaminghuang]

Thank you dr. Greger, I would like to know if there are studies done on the link between consumption of milk during pregnancy and autism risks

[thebrinksf]

What about people who drink milk as a kid but don't get autism?

[tamarfisher]

Can you provide links to this research? Thnks!

[jilliancawley]

Thank you Dr. Greger for your informative videos! I for one am grateful to be learning this at a relatively young age (22), not only for my own sake but for the sake of my future children.

[mayperez]

These videos are answered prayers. We will be removing dairy from my Autistic son diet starting immediately. Once we master that then we remove gluten .

[laurieparis]

Hoping there will be part 2, where on the ramifications of a gluten spike in the urine of those with autism is discussed. I've known about the exorphin effect of dairy for years, but the gluten aspect is News.