Perlmutter and his books have faced criticism from other physicians and commentators. His endorsement of
gluten-free and
paleolithic diets has been criticized by physicians and is not supported by anthropological research on the
Pleistocene human diet. For example, Nash and Slutzky (2014) have written that "according to
Grain Brain, much chronic disease originates in the widespread ingestion of carbohydrates, and these foodstuff, rather than cholesterol or saturated fats, are the premier contributor to an unhealthy individual. Numerous recent studies, however, have provided high-level evidence to the contrary." Perlmutter's opinion that
hormonal birth control has long term negative effects on women has also been criticized by medical experts. Microbiome expert
Jonathan Eisen criticized
Brain Maker in blunt terms. "To think we can magically heal diseases by changing to a gluten-free diet and taking some probiotics is idiotic... It resembles more the presentation of a snake-oil salesman than that of a person interested in actually figuring out how to help people." and the
American Academy of Pediatrics. A review of
Grain Brain by The Health Sciences Academy quotes Perlmutter as saying even whole grains, are "a terrorist group that bullies our most precious organ, the brain" but noted the health data on whole grain consumption is associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. The review concluded that "Perlmutter based his book primarily on belief, selectively citing studies and not including the full body of scientific evidence". Perlmutter is listed by
Quackwatch as a promoter of questionable health products. == Personal life ==