Can “Glutenase” Pills Help People With Celiac Digest Gluten?

[kareng]

Thought this was interesting:

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"Dr. Guandalini: Surely it would be nice to be able to swallow a pill and go about eating without worrying about any gluten on your plate. This is more or less what these products are claiming. But my opinion is no, they cannot be trusted to help digest gluten......"

[LauraTX]

Thank you for spreading truthful information.

[U Gluten Free]

kareng — I agree that it's important not to over-sell the potential here. However, since a large number of celiacs heal slowly (or not at all)—possibly because of the effects of trace gluten contamination—I think it would be great to have a pill that could take care of this problem.

[kareng]

kareng — I agree that it's important not to over-sell the potential here. However, since a large number of celiacs heal slowly (or not at all)—possibly because of the effects of trace gluten contamination—I think it would be great to have a pill that could take care of this problem.

I don't believe I said that a pill wouldn't be nice to have - just that the current ones don't work.

If you read the whole post, it isn't long, I believe he says that the current ones do not work. They studied them. That was the point of this thread. We get this question a lot on here, so I thought I would put the info on here for people to be able to search.

They are working on a legitimate pill but it isn't through testing and on the market yet.

[kareng]

OK. I don't think the U of C will mind so I'll put the whole thing here as I have seen that people don't click the link and read the whole thing.

"This is the first installment of our new series, The Big Question, in which we ask University of Chicago Medicine doctors and researchers one big question about their work, whether it’s their expert opinion on a new breakthrough or a common question they hear from patients. First up is Stefano Guandalini, founder and medical director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.

Do supplements like Glutenase, Gluten Cutter or Digest Gluten Plus that are currently on the market help people with celiac disease digest gluten, or protect against cross-contamination?

Dr. Guandalini: Surely it would be nice to be able to swallow a pill and go about eating without worrying about any gluten on your plate. This is more or less what these products are claiming. But my opinion is no, they cannot be trusted to help digest gluten.

While research is very active in this field, and some very promising products are being rigorously tested and hopefully will come to fruition soon, it must be clearly stated that none–I repeat, none–of the currently commercially available products that claim to help detoxifying gluten by digesting it in the stomach before it reaches the small intestine can actually accomplish this. This is based on specific tests carried out in a reputable research laboratory that has checked these products and confirmed what we knew from the beginning: They are totally ineffective in reducing the fractions of gluten that are toxic for celiac patients.

For more from Dr. Guandalini, read our two-part interview with him on the sudden rise of celiac disease and the future of treatment."

[user001]

I thought it was a well established fact that these types of pills do not work for people with diagnosed celiac disease? no?

[kareng]

I thought it was a well established fact that these types of pills do not work for people with diagnosed celiac disease? no?

 

 

Did you read the link?  or when I copied the whole thing onto here?  

 

Or was this  a "funny" because I already said that people don't read the links?  

[user001]

No dear, I read it. I'm just saying I thought it was a well established fact because I am always seeing it brought up and I was wondering why we were beating this poor dead horse

[kareng]

No dear, I read it. I'm just saying I thought it was a well established fact because I am always seeing it brought up and I was wondering why we were beating this poor dead horse

 

 

Back in April, when I posted this, we were having a lot of people taking these bogus pills.  I thought that having an expert opinion posted on the forum  might be helpful.  People google these pills and I hoped that they might find this link.  I thought that some of us could use this thread to point people in the correct direction when they come on saying that their cousin's aunt's step-brother's MIL said there is a pill that lets you eat gluten.

 

You obviously googled it or had a reason to look it up... So I guess it worked?  

 

 

And thanks for bringing it back to the front of the forum, maybe it will help keep a newbie from wasting thier money.

[IrishHeart]

No dear, I read it. I'm just saying I thought it was a well established fact because I am always seeing it brought up and I was wondering why we were beating this poor dead horse

 

But, that's just it...it's not a dead horse topic. It comes up quite often because newly Dxed people wonder if it works, so by making the topic its own thread, when people use the search engine, they will come directly to the link to this article that explains the reason why it doesn't.

 

It was a good idea. 

[user001]

Back in April, when I posted this, we were having a lot of people taking these bogus pills.  I thought that having an expert opinion posted on the forum  might be helpful.  People google these pills and I hoped that they might find this link.  I thought that some of us could use this thread to point people in the correct direction when they come on saying that their cousin's aunt's step-brother's MIL said there is a pill that lets you eat gluten.

 

You obviously googled it or had a reason to look it up... So I guess it worked?  

 

 

And thanks for bringing it back to the front of the forum, maybe it will help keep a newbie from wasting thier money.

I was actually just looking into the forum and found it, but I understand how you might make the assumption that I stumbled upon your post because it was helpful.

 

I think the issue is that people who think these products will help them with their gluten problem, celiac or not, are NOT doing the research. If I google your question, the top results are medical journals discussing how these pills helping with gluten digestion is NOT something that is effective or safe for people with celiac disease. It can, however be helpful to people with other issues with gluten containing foods.

 

I think when people keep beating this dead horse, it just for a second, gives readers false hope that there might be a way for us to be safe in the world or even enjoy a dish we might miss.

 

It is a well established fact that these pills DO NOT help people with celiac disease. People using any drugs, prescribed by doctors or purchased over the counter should do their research before ingesting any medications. There is often ingredients that may harm you are unknown side effects to prescribed drugs and supplements are rarely what they say.

 

We all know how hard this disease can be, so I don't blame people for having hope that there is pills that can help. Anyone who has been diagnosed by a Dr knows the only way to get better is to eat a gluten free diet for the rest of your life I think we all learn at a young age that if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

[user001]

Several products also have disclaimers.

 

"Recommendations: Two UltraCaps with each meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Caution: While Gluten Defense* will reduce the level of reactive gliadin and gluten proteins in a meal, it is advised that celiac disease sufferers continue with their normal gluten exclusion diet as even small amounts of gliadin can cause adverse reactions in the most sensitized individuals. If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal. Gluten & Casein Digestive Enzymes* Helps digest hidden wheat and dairy* Vegetarian *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

[kareng]

I was actually just looking into the forum and found it, but I understand how you might make the assumption that I stumbled upon your post because it was helpful.

 

I think the issue is that people who think these products will help them with their gluten problem, celiac or not, are NOT doing the research. If I google your question, the top results are medical journals discussing how these pills helping with gluten digestion is NOT something that is effective or safe for people with celiac disease. It can, however be helpful to people with other issues with gluten containing foods.

 

I think when people keep beating this dead horse, it just for a second, gives readers false hope that there might be a way for us to be safe in the world or even enjoy a dish we might miss.

 

It is a well established fact that these pills DO NOT help people with celiac disease. People using any drugs, prescribed by doctors or purchased over the counter should do their research before ingesting any medications. There is often ingredients that may harm you are unknown side effects to prescribed drugs and supplements are rarely what they say.

 

We all know how hard this disease can be, so I don't blame people for having hope that there is pills that can help. Anyone who has been diagnosed by a Dr knows the only way to get better is to eat a gluten free diet for the rest of your life I think we all learn at a young age that if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

 

 

Several products also have disclaimers.

 

"Recommendations: Two UltraCaps with each meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Caution: While Gluten Defense* will reduce the level of reactive gliadin and gluten proteins in a meal, it is advised that celiac disease sufferers continue with their normal gluten exclusion diet as even small amounts of gliadin can cause adverse reactions in the most sensitized individuals. If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal. Gluten & Casein Digestive Enzymes* Helps digest hidden wheat and dairy* Vegetarian *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

 

 

Huh?  This thread was dead and buried until you brought it back to life to argue that I shouldn't have posted it because it causes attention to the product.  I was just posting a link to a little interview with Dr. G that might be helpful to someone.  If the topic isn't helpful for you because you already know the information - fine.  Don't read it.  I don't understand what you want to fight about?  

 

Honestly, it is only a "well established fact" for those who have looked into it.  And they had to look somewhere so why not here?   

 

 

edited to add:  I am done with this nonsense.  I don't see any reason to fight.  If you have a problem with Dr. G answering this question - it is very easy to send him an email.  If you think something is posted on here that is dangerous to people, then report it and It will be reviewed.  I don't see how this  post hurt anyone and we have many others of a similar nature.  This same interview may have been posted by our news service, too.  I don't have time right now to check that.

[user001]

Im just saying you are the one always complaining about how people are putting fear into others when they question being glutened by a product that they are unsure about. I think it is also wrong to give hope to someone with even talking about this subject. The facts are already out there if someone is wondering. They are on google if it is searched and they are on product packaging if they are buying online or buying in the store. I just think you should know that.

 

I dont understand why you want to fight about everything, karen. I am not fighting. I am simply telling you that you are incorrect to post things like this because it might be giving someone false hope. You are putting out something that is not helpful. If someone asks the question, answer it, no need to post this IMHO.

[IrishHeart]

Im just saying you are the one always complaining about how people are putting fear into others when they question being glutened by a product that they are unsure about. I think it is also wrong to give hope to someone with even talking about this subject. The facts are already out there if someone is wondering. They are on google if it is searched and they are on product packaging if they are buying online or buying in the store. I just think you should know that.

 

I dont understand why you want to fight about everything, karen. I am not fighting. I am simply telling you that you are incorrect to post things like this because it might be giving someone false hope. You are putting out something that is not helpful. If someone asks the question, answer it, no need to post this IMHO.

 

I am being impartial here and I honestly do not understand why you are taking exception to a very helpful post that has good and relevant 

information in it.

 

She is not "incorrect" nor does the product or the information suggest "false hope" at all.

I just am not seeing how you are interpreting that from the post, sorry.

 

On the contrary, if someone had a question about

it, they can read that the product is NOT really recommended at all --and that is coming from a leading celiac researcher.

 

Maybe you should let it go.

[kareng]

I still don't understand how posting something that explains why these pills don't work hurts anyone but the company that makes them.

 

 There are lots of posts on here for stuff that you can google and find the same info on other reputable sites - Celiac tests, symptoms, what foods not to eat, how much gluten to eat for a challenge, etc.   We still put it on here in various places and posts to help people looking for that info.   We post articles about all sorts of things - new research, treatments/tests that are being studied, recipes, etc. The only difference is  - I didn't post them.  

[LauraTX]

User001, as someone who worked in the pharmacy world before becoming disabled by all my health issues, I can tell you confidently that many people do not read medicine labels, let-alone research something properly before taking it.  Any time something silly like these products is marketed to the world of gluten haters and Celiacs, and we can spread the truth about it, is a good thing.  There is absolutely no reason for you to be acting this hostile to any of our forum members.  There is nothing semantically wrong with the original post as it was a commonly reoccurring question on the forum at the time it was posted.

[w8in4dave]

I'm totally not a part of all the hoopla! That is here I just want to say thanks for posting it. I have never heard of these pills and if I would of come across them in the store I would probably be afraid to take them, and change my diet. Noway!  But hey now I know absolutely do not take them. So I do thank you for the post. Any hoo when I say don't take them and change my diet, what about take them for any cross contaminating that may occur ? You know on a daily basis?? Stay gluten-free and take them? We all know nothing is 100% gluten-free so would these help if taking them on a daily basis and stay on a gluten-free diet?? 

[kareng]

I'm totally not a part of all the hoopla! That is here I just want to say thanks for posting it. I have never heard of these pills and if I would of come across them in the store I would probably be afraid to take them, and change my diet. Noway! But hey now I know absolutely do not take them. So I do thank you for the post. Any hoo when I say don't take them and change my diet, what about take them for any cross contaminating that may occur ? You know on a daily basis?? Stay gluten-free and take them? We all know nothing is 100% gluten-free so would these help if taking them on a daily basis and stay on a gluten-free diet??

The point is that they do nothing! Nada!

They (Celiac researchers with a pharmaceutical company) are working on one (ALV003) and we have had articles about that. They are still going thru trials of various kinds. They look promising to take occasionally for eating out. I am not sure if they will be by prescription only or OTC. I think that will be decided if they make it thru all the trials successfully. Keeping my fingers crossed. (OK.....I admit, this post, right here, might be giving people "hope")

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[LauraTX]

ALVoo3 looks promising, but I am holding out for the ability to make me a new lupus-free, celiac-free, immunodfeciency-free body when I am an old lady so I can finally enkoy myelf!  LOL

[kareng]

ALVoo3 looks promising, but I am holding out for the ability to make me a new lupus-free, celiac-free, immunodfeciency-free body when I am an old lady so I can finally enkoy myelf!  LOL

 

 

I have tried to get the robotics team i mentor to make us new robotic GI tracts and immune systems.  No one seems interested.  I guess a robot  throwing a large ball or a frisbee is more fun to make.  

[LauraTX]

I have tried to get the robotics team i mentor to make us new robotic GI tracts and immune systems.  No one seems interested.  I guess a robot  throwing a large ball or a frisbee is more fun to make.  

 

I would totally swallow a tiny robot and its purpose being blasting gluten with its gluten away laser beam.  One day!