Toothpaste question.

[RDLiberty]

So, I've been using a gluten free labeled toothpaste since being diagnosed with celiac. No big deal, the toothpaste seems to work. Question is, I just realized it contains hydrated silica. 

Now, I've heard that silicon dioxide can cause issues in some people with celiac (was that ever confirmed though?), so to be safe, I cut it out of my diet entirely. But, as I understand it, hydrated silica is related to silicon dioxide. Is that something to worry about, or is the hydrated form not known to cause issues like the silicon dioxide form? 

I've never seen it in food, but nearly every toothpaste I look at contains hydrated silica? 

Issue or not? 

Any scientific research (Not opinion pieces, not health bloggers, you get my gist), but actual science, that says it's an issue? I have a hard time believing 99% of what I read on random internet searches. 

 

Thanks so much, Renee. 

[Scott Adams]

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that hydrated silica or its relative, silicon dioxide, triggers a celiac-specific immune response or causes intestinal damage in individuals with the condition. The concern you likely encountered online is a common misconception. Here’s the key distinction: the protein in gluten (gliadin) is what causes the autoimmune reaction in celiac disease. Hydrated silica and silicon dioxide are minerals, chemically inert compounds of silicon and oxygen, and are completely unrelated to gluten proteins. They are widely used as abrasives in toothpaste and anti-caking agents in food powders because they are stable and non-reactive.

While any individual can have a unique sensitivity to any substance, there is no mechanism by which these silica compounds would mimic gluten or exacerbate celiac disease. Your diligence in using a certified gluten-free toothpaste is the correct and most important step, as it eliminates the risk of cross-contamination with wheat-derived ingredients like starch. Based on current scientific understanding, the hydrated silica in your toothpaste is not an issue for your celiac management.

[RDLiberty]

8 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that hydrated silica or its relative, silicon dioxide, triggers a celiac-specific immune response or causes intestinal damage in individuals with the condition. The concern you likely encountered online is a common misconception. Here’s the key distinction: the protein in gluten (gliadin) is what causes the autoimmune reaction in celiac disease. Hydrated silica and silicon dioxide are minerals, chemically inert compounds of silicon and oxygen, and are completely unrelated to gluten proteins. They are widely used as abrasives in toothpaste and anti-caking agents in food powders because they are stable and non-reactive.

While any individual can have a unique sensitivity to any substance, there is no mechanism by which these silica compounds would mimic gluten or exacerbate celiac disease. Your diligence in using a certified gluten-free toothpaste is the correct and most important step, as it eliminates the risk of cross-contamination with wheat-derived ingredients like starch. Based on current scientific understanding, the hydrated silica in your toothpaste is not an issue for your celiac management.

Thank you. I must have misinterpreted a study or something. Thank you for the clarification. Much appreciated. Almost three years into my celiac diagnosis and I'm still learning new things.