July 5, 2013

expert reaction to press release on non-peer reviewed research that suggests a link between protein in cow’s milk and autism

Ahead of a talk in London, a press release was sent out regarding research to be presented for the first time by Dr Malav Trivedi which proposed links between the A1 protein common in cow’s milk and exacerbated symptoms of disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

A spokesperson for the National Autistic Society said:

“There is little scientific evidence demonstrating the efficacy of restrictive diets in supporting people to directly ‘manage’ their autism, rather than to treat other conditions.

“Dietary restrictions can lead to poor nutrition, and so should only be adopted following advice from a medical professional.”

Professor Mick O’Donovan, Deputy Director of Cardiff University’s MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, said:

“The work mentioned in this press release does not seem to have been published so it is impossible to assess the claim in any detail. Not being published, it has also presumably not been tested by peer review.

“Therefore at the very least, the claims should be viewed with even more than the usual degree of scepticism that should greet reports of interventions with dramatic results on any medical disorder. Based on the very limited material available, I doubt there is anything of medical relevance to schizophrenia or autism that is supported by strong enough evidence to justify suggesting to people with those disorders that they should alter their diet.” 

Prof Dorothy Bishop, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Oxford, said:

“People should be extremely sceptical of any press release that discusses a major health issue like autism yet fails to reference any verifiable data that back up the strong public health claims. It is impossible to evaluate the dramatic claims that are made by Dr Trivedi in the absence of any peer-reviewed data.

“I note that the press release concludes with promotional material for A2 Milk, who fund Dr Trivedi.”

Prof Jeremy Turk, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Southwark Child & Adolescent Mental Health Neurodevelopmental Service, said:

“I have never heard of this suggestion, know of no scientific evidence to support it, and would be extremely sceptical about the proposed link. Cow’s milk is an extremely nutritious and important component of our diet, is generally well tolerated, and I would fear the possible adverse effects of reductions in its consumption as a consequence of publicity associated with the reported suggested research.”

Prof Jean Golding, a Medical Research Council funded researcher based at University of Bristol, and Emeritus Professor of Paediatric & Perinatal Epidemiology, said:

“These findings were presented at a non-scientific seminar. Obviously if cow’s milk represents any kind of health risk this is important – but without strong evidence, preferably in the form of a randomised controlled trial, it is dangerous to take this seriously. Our own study on autistic traits in the ‘Children of the Nineties’ survey of over 10,000 children showed no suggestion that typical autistic signs such as of speech coherence or social communication were any worse in children who regularly drank cow’s milk. Consequently I think the claims quoted on autism are very unlikely to be true. It is important that any endorsement of the product be delayed until the evidence in peer reviewed journals is sound and consistent – and published by scientists who have no commercial interest in the results.”