Non-Toxic Wheat Possible Option for Future Celiac Disease Treatment

Gastroenterology 2005;129:797-806,1111-1113.

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Celiac.com 10/28/2005 – According to Dutch researchers, it may be possible to produce varieties of wheat that are safe for people with celiac disease. Dr. Spaenij-Dekking of Leiden University Medical Center and colleagues examined public databases that contained data on the many different varieties of wheat gluten proteins which can be found in wheat. Their goal was to identify the wheat varieties that contained the lowest levels of T-cell- stimulatory epitopes. The researchers found that the level of toxicity of the different types of wheat varies greatly, and the more ancient and grass-like the variety the less T-cell- stimulatory epitopes it contained, and conversely, the more modern the variety the greater its level of toxicity for those with celiac disease. They concluded that the use of selective breeding and screening could create a variety of wheat that is safe for those with celiac disease, and one that could prevent disease in those who are at risk.