Casein Foods And Benefits Of Casein Protein

Weight lifters sometimes use casein protein powder as a source of amino acids because of the slow digestion rate. Casein is high in glutamine which is the primary amino acid in muscles and body tissue. It helps build lean muscle tissue and is a large part of a protein nutrition based diet.

While most adults are able to digest casein with no problems, studies have shown some adults and children, particularly children with autism are unable to digest casein protein properly which leads it to act as an opiate in the person’s system and hamper brain development. Many studies on autism recommend a casein-free diet to help with behavior and response issues including eye-contact, attention span development, aggression and mood swings. Parents are encouraged to use a physician’s guidance in beginning a casein-free diet for their child because of the body’s dependence on the protein.

Choosing Casein Free Diets


Eating a casein-free diet is not an easy task. Casein is not only found in milk and cheese but also in non-dairy products such as soy cheeses, and cereals. Keeping your child from things like cereal, ice-cream and pizza can be difficult. McDonald’s uses a casein-based product in their french fries. There are books and diet plans available for people who want a casein free diet that offer lists of foods with casein protein and casein free substitutes.

Research has also been conducted on possible links between casein and cancer. Studies done on breast and colon cancer reveal the presence of milk and casein-high diets can affect cancer because the protein can feed cancer cells and stimulate tumor growth. Many of these studies are still under review and a definite link between casein protein and cancer has yet to be fully established. Casein has also been shown to take away positive effects of tea in fighting cardiovascular disease.