HEALTH COACH - A new enzyme blocks gluten, relieves symptoms of gluten intolerance

HEALTH COACH -

 A new enzyme blocks gluten, relieves symptoms of gluten intolerance  





 New research may have found an enzyme that can alleviate symptoms in people susceptible to gluten. The study shows that taking a tablet containing this enzyme can prevent gluten from reaching the small intestine, greatly reducing the symptoms of gluten intolerance. 
 
  
  Researchers may have found a way to eliminate symptoms in gluten-sensitive patients. 

 Gluten is a protein mostly found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley, as well as in certain medications and supplements. For some people, gluten can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Some of these people have celiac disease, while others are simply susceptible to gluten. 

 Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system of the body will begin to attack the small intestine when it detects gluten. 

 Gluten sensitivity shares some of its symptoms with celiac disease, but unlike the latter, it does not harm the small intestine. Gluten intolerance can also cause additional symptoms, such as numbness of the legs or muscle cramps. 

 The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness estimates that about 18 million people in the US are intolerant to gluten without having celiac disease. 

 A new study suggests that an enzyme called propane endoprotease derived from Aspergillus niger (AN-PEP) can prevent gluten entering the small intestine, reducing symptoms In gluten-sensitive patients. 

 The results were presented at Digestive Disease Week 2017, an international conference that brings together specialists in the fields of gastroenterology, endoscopy, hepatology and gastrointestinal surgery, intestinal. 

 Study of the effects of AN-PEP on gluten intolerance 

 The researchers - led by Julia König, Ph.D., postdoctoral researcher at the School of Medical Sciences of the Rebu University, Sweden - tested the enzyme on 18 Self-reported gluten-sensitive patients. 

 Participants consumed one serving of porridge with two wheat biscuits containing gluten, then administered by AN-PEP or placebo. The enzyme was administered at a high dose or at a low dose. 

 König and the team monitored gluten levels in the stomach and small intestine for 3 hours. 

  The study found that high-dose and low-dose AN-PEP groups had 85% less gluten in their stomach than the placebo group. 

 In the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine - the gluten level was lowered by 81 percent in the high-dose group and 87 percent in the low-dose group compared to the group placebo. 

 Importance of study 

 Previous research has indicated that the enzyme can break down gluten when it is infused into a liquid meal, but this is the first study to confirm these results using a normal and solid meal . 

 Dr. König explains the meaning of the results by saying: "This substance allows gluten-sensitive patients to feel safer, for example, when they are with friends in a restaurant and can not be sure To know if something is 100% gluten free. "

  "Since small amounts of gluten can affect gluten-sensitive patients, this supplement can play an important role in the treatment of residual gluten which is often the cause of uncomfortable symptoms," adds Dr. König . 

 The researchers note that the beneficial effects of AN-PEP may not apply to patients with celiac disease. In celiac disease, long-term damage can be triggered even by the smallest amounts of gluten - so that König and his colleagues could not test the enzyme in these patients nor recommend it to celiac patients. 

 However, the results remain encouraging for patients with non-celiac gluten intolerance. 

 
 "Studies show that even if they follow a gluten - free diet, the involuntary intake of gluten can still occur, depending on the hardness of a gluten - free diet. Enzyme can potentially reduce the side effects that when people sensitive to gluten accidentally eat a little gluten.We do not suggest that AN-PEP gives these people the opportunity to eat pizzas or pasta, sources of Large amounts of gluten, but this could make them better if they ingest by gluten mistake. " 
 
 Dr. Julia König 
 

 Find out why you should not avoid gluten unless you have celiac disease.