What is it?
“Sugar-free, wheat-free” is not one standardized clinical diet. It usually refers to removing foods made with wheat while also avoiding added or refined sugars.
Foods removed or limited:
Wheat bread, wheat pasta, baked goods, many cereals, candy, soda, sweetened drinks, heavily sweetened snacks and desserts. Whole fruit does not normally need to be eliminated simply because it contains naturally occurring sugar.
Potential health benefits:
Reducing added sugar may support dental health and improve overall diet quality. Removing wheat is appropriate for a diagnosed wheat allergy. A wheat-free diet is not automatically gluten-free because barley and rye also contain gluten.
Who may benefit most?
Children with a wheat allergy or families whose current diet contains large amounts of sugary drinks and heavily processed snacks.
How may it support an autistic child?
Replacing low-nutrient snack foods with balanced meals may support overall health. However, abruptly removing a child’s primary safe foods can reduce calorie intake and increase mealtime distress. The diet has not been proven to treat autism.