Study finds no link between MMR jab and autism

source: Daily Mail UK Daily Mail UK

No link: Between the MMR jab and autism

Researchers examined the so-called "leaky gut" theory, which suggests that vaccines such as the triple Measles, Mumps and Rubella jab can damage the wall of the intestine.

This causes digestive problems which 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 five to 11 and 158 boys acting as controls, aged four to 11.

The experts 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 theirs is the first to properly compare children with autism with a control group.

Fears over possible links to autism have been blamed for the lower take up of the triple jab, when compared to three separate vaccines.

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 while 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 (NAS) 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."

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