‘No grounds for MMR jab link with autism’

A RECENT study has found no evidence to support the idea that the MMR jab damages the intestine and in turn causes autism.

Researchers examined the so-called “leaky gut” theory, which suggests that vaccines such as MMR can damage the wall of the intestine.

This causes digestive problems that lead to the production of peptides, which can damage the brain and possibly cause autism, according to the theory.

The latest study, from researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and the University of Edinburgh, found that children with autism do not produce higher levels of peptides, detectable in their urine.

Researchers examined 65 boys with autism aged between five and 11 and 158 boys acting as controls, aged between four and 11.

They found “no significant differences” between the two groups when it came to levels of peptides.

They said their findings back up earlier studies and claimed this study is the first to properly compare children with autism with a control group.

Dr Hilary Cass, from Great Ormond Street, said: “It is very distressing to have a diagnosis of autism, a lifelong condition.

“Many families are driven to try out interventions which currently have no scientific basis.

“For example, advocates of the leaky gut hypothesis offer children a casein and gluten-free diet, which as yet lacks an evidence base.

“Our research throws serious doubt on the putative scientific basis of that diet and indicates that further work is needed to understand the role and outcomes of dietary intervention.”

Gluten is the protein found in wheat and casein is found in dairy products.

The study was published in the journal Archives of Diseases in Childhood.

A spokeswoman for the National Autistic Society said: “We are aware of anecdotal support for some dietary interventions, particularly those involving the exclusion of wheat and dairy products.

“There is limited evidence about whether or not these diets are effective and concerns have been raised about their unregulated use.

“There is an urgent need for authoritative research into the usefulness of dietary interventions and the gastrointestinal problems experienced by some people with autism, to improve our understanding of the condition, to respond to parents’ concerns and to enable us to ensure that there are appropriate services and support in place to meet people’s needs.”