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Not All Corn Grits are Safe

ShariW
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ShariW Apprentice
ShariW
Posted

Quaker corn grits are not certified gluten-free! These may, in fact, be contaminated by cross-contact in the manufacturing process.
I have been following a strict gluten-free diet for about 3 years, with varying results depending on cross-contact issues. My celiac testing was inconclusive - and I wasn't willing to go back on gluten long enough for a full celiac diagnosis. I get pretty severe symptoms just a few hours after ANY gluten ingestion, no matter how small, so gastrointestinal doc recommends continuing to follow a gluten-free diet. So whether I have celiac disease (I do have one celiac gene) or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, treatment is the same.
I have enjoyed corn grits on occasion, but started seeing a pattern of gluten intake symptoms after large family breakfasts. This last time, I researched everything I might have ingested. My family is pretty good about cross-contact, too. When I got to the Quaker corn grits, I found they are not certified gluten-free, and the labeling does not say gluten free anywhere - although the only ingredients are corn grits, salt and some vitamins and minerals. The research I did confirms that while Quaker grits do not "contain" gluten ingredients, they may indeed be contaminated by cross-contact with glutens.
I threw out all the grits (and corn meal) I had in the pantry, and bought some certified as gluten-free. Hopefully, next family breakfast will be better! 😋

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knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

@ShariW,

Some of us react to corn the same as we react to gluten because maize and gluten share some similar segments which trigger the Celiac autoimmune response.  

Maize Prolamins Could Induce a Gluten-Like Cellular Immune Response in Some Celiac Disease Patients

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3820067/#:~:text=The current treatment for celiac disease,%2C a maize-free diet.

And...

The Prevalence of Anti-Zein Antibodies: A Comparative Study between Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7922782/#:~:text=Another important conclusion was derived,IgA antibody test [38].

 

This is one reason I suggest a Paleo diet, the Autoimmune Protocol diet (designed by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, a Celiac herself).  The AIP diet cuts out all grains and pseudo grains for several months so the body will be less likely to trigger on proteins similar to gluten.  Following the low histamine version of the AIP diet is very helpful in reducing histamine which lowers inflammation and promotes healing.

ShariW Apprentice
ShariW
Posted
  • Author

I don't react to corn in general. I think it was cross-contact in manufacturing that got me.
But if I do find that I have problems with gluten-free grits, I will see corn elimination in my diet will solve the issues.

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