Lutein-free diet
Encyclopedia
The Lutein-free diet is one of several specific diets
reported to be beneficial to people with autism spectrum disorders. It is based on the theory of phagocytosis of pigments first described by research nutritionist
Sandra Desorgher (DPsy.
) The Lutein-free diet is also known as 'Sara's Diet' The diet recommends excluding green vegetables high in lutein
such as spinach and kale and some other vegetables and fruits, and replacing them with non-lutein alternatives such as lettuce, cabbage, blueberries and raspberries. The diet also involves eliminating all artificial food colorings
and aspartame
. The diet should be balanced to include all essential nutrients recommended by professionals, including those preventative of cancer and heart disease and should conform to government health recommendations, such as the UK government five a day campaign.
There is no peer-reviewed evidence of efficacy of the lutein-free diet for autism. Lutein
is an antioxidant
, considered to be important for healthy eyes, however the only randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a benefit for lutein in macular degeneration
was a small study, in which the authors concluded that more study was needed.
Diet (nutrition)
In nutrition, diet is the sum of food consumed by a person or other organism. Dietary habits are the habitual decisions an individual or culture makes when choosing what foods to eat. With the word diet, it is often implied the use of specific intake of nutrition for health or weight-management...
reported to be beneficial to people with autism spectrum disorders. It is based on the theory of phagocytosis of pigments first described by research nutritionist
Nutritionist
A nutritionist is a person who advises on matters of food and nutrition impacts on health. Different professional terms are used in different countries, employment settings and contexts — some examples include: nutrition scientist, public health nutritionist, dietitian-nutritionist, clinical...
Sandra Desorgher (DPsy.
Doctor of Psychology
The Doctor of Psychology degree is a professional doctorate earned through one of two established training models for clinical psychology...
) The Lutein-free diet is also known as 'Sara's Diet' The diet recommends excluding green vegetables high in lutein
Lutein
Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein is synthesized only by plants and like other xanthophylls is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale...
such as spinach and kale and some other vegetables and fruits, and replacing them with non-lutein alternatives such as lettuce, cabbage, blueberries and raspberries. The diet also involves eliminating all artificial food colorings
Food coloring
Food coloring is a substance, liquid or powder, that is added to food or drink to change its color. Food coloring is used both in commercial food production and in domestic cooking...
and aspartame
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used as a sugar substitute in some foods and beverages. In the European Union, it is codified as E951. Aspartame is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide. It was first sold under the brand name NutraSweet; since 2009 it...
. The diet should be balanced to include all essential nutrients recommended by professionals, including those preventative of cancer and heart disease and should conform to government health recommendations, such as the UK government five a day campaign.
There is no peer-reviewed evidence of efficacy of the lutein-free diet for autism. Lutein
Lutein
Lutein is a xanthophyll and one of 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein is synthesized only by plants and like other xanthophylls is found in high quantities in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale...
is an antioxidant
Antioxidant
An antioxidant is a molecule capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons or hydrogen from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. In turn, these radicals can start chain reactions. When...
, considered to be important for healthy eyes, however the only randomized clinical trial to demonstrate a benefit for lutein in macular degeneration
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field because of damage to the retina. It occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms. It is a major cause of blindness and visual impairment in older adults...
was a small study, in which the authors concluded that more study was needed.