What is digestive enzyme therapy?
Digestive enzyme therapy involves taking enzyme supplements to help with digestion. The aim is to help the body digest particular foods.
This therapy is sometimes called enzyme therapy.
Who is digestive enzyme therapy for?
Digestive enzyme therapy is for people who have medical conditions like cystic fibrosis and coeliac disease.
What is digestive enzyme therapy used for?
Digestive enzyme therapy is used to relieve digestive problems associated with medical conditions like cystic fibrosis and coeliac disease.
People who support the use of this therapy for autism say that this therapy relieves the digestive problems that autistic people commonly experience and thus helps to reduce the characteristics of autism.
Where does digestive enzyme therapy come from?
Since the 1980s, it has been suggested that autistic people might not digest food proteins very well, particularly the proteins casein (found in milk) and gluten (found in wheat).
Based on this idea, therapies like elimination diets were developed. After some difficulties with these therapies, enzyme therapy was developed as an alternative treatment to help with protein digestion.
What is the idea behind digestive enzyme therapy for autistic children?
In our bodies, we all have natural chemicals called ‘opioids’. When active, these natural chemicals can relieve pain or lead to feelings of wellbeing. Endorphin is an example.
Supporters of digestive enzyme therapy for autism believe that autism is caused by excess opioid activity in the brain, which is related to digestive problems with particular proteins in food.
Some people say these proteins contribute to the characteristics of autism. They also say that taking enzymes to improve the digestion of proteins like gluten and casein can reduce the characteristics of autism.
The use of digestive enzymes to reduce the characteristics of autism is not supported by research.
What does digestive enzyme therapy involve?
There are no established guidelines for this approach but digestive enzyme therapy typically involves taking supplements before meals.
Does digestive enzyme therapy help autistic children?
There’s little or no evidence that digestive enzyme therapy has any benefits for autism.
Also, some studies have shown significant side effects, including stomach problems, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and dizziness.
Where can you get digestive enzyme therapy?
Digestive enzyme supplements are available in many health food stores and pharmacies, but it’s best to talk with your GP or paediatrician or a dietitian before buying digestive enzymes for your autistic child.
Who can give you professional advice about digestive enzyme therapy?
If you’re thinking about digestive enzyme therapy for your autistic child, see your GP or paediatrician or a dietitian. They can talk with you about this therapy’s risks and benefits.
How are parents involved in digestive enzyme therapy?
If your child is taking digestive enzyme supplements, you need to ensure your child takes the enzyme before each meal for the duration of the therapy.
How much does digestive enzyme therapy cost?
The cost of this therapy varies depending on the brand of digestive enzyme used and its dose or strength. It also depends on whether the digestive enzyme is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and whether you hold a concession card like a Health Care Card.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.