This is news everyone needs to really know to get a bit more advanced knowledge of gluten and celiac disease and please stay informed through the many radio shows on these topics.
Gluten is actually not the real problem for celiacs – it is the ‘prolamin’ portion of the molecules in specific grains. This is “the toxic component” of the gluten molecule lies in the prolamin portion.
In wheat this portion is called gliadin. It comprises approximately 40 – 50% of the protein. In rye this portion is called secalin. It comprises approximately 30 – 40% of the protein. In barley this portion is called hordein. It comprises approximately 35 – 45% of the protein. In oats this portion is called avenin. It comprises approximately 10 – 15% of the protein.
Yes, there are prolamins in rice, corn and other foods but these do not contain the toxic tetrapeptide(s) which are stated responsible culprits for the villous damage and rash” experienced by celiacs and people with ‘gluten’ sensitivities.
Once gluten enters the digestive tract, gluten breaks down into peptide chains in a similar fashion to other protein sources; however the resulting gluten-related peptide chain length is considerably longer than for other proteins. These longer peptides are part of the reason that immune response triggers occur and cause celiac disease. Celiac are not the only people who chose to avoid gluten. Some of the disease that also benefit from a gluten free diet are: irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, dermatitis herpetiformis (autism) and those with ulcerative colitis.
For anyone new to a gluten free diet, it is worth mentioning that there is an increasing number of ‘health food’ products with gluten so read your ingredients always!
Tina Turbin
Tags: celiac, celiac disease, gluten, gluten allergies, Gluten-Free, tina turbin, tina turbin author, tips
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