Are There Different Kinds Of Gluten Intolerences?

[lilliexx]

I have a general question about gluten intolerence. I have been thinking lately that there might be a possibility that i am only sensitive to wheat gluten. So is it possible that one could be sensitive to one gluten and not others?? Why is every person with celiac sensitive to wheat, barly and rye gluten but not corn gluten?? it just doesnt make sense to me.

any input on this would be helpful!!

Thankyou

lillie

[Mballerina]

Wheat, rye and barley have the same type of protein in them that causes a reaction. Oats are contaminated with wheat protein in production. Corn protein is a different type of protein (made up of a different amino acid chain.) There are no different types of gluten sensitivity. What you are actually talking about is food allergy or food intolerance. You may be allergic(immune reaction) or have an intolerance (gastro reaction) to different foods such as rye but not other things or corn not something else. Celiac means you have a immune reaction to the gluten in wheat , rye and barley. Gluten sensitivity means you have a gastro reaction to all three. Hope that helped.

[tarnalberry]

because "gluten" is really a generic term referring to the protein in a grain, any grain. we often use "gluten" however, to refer to a specific amino acid sequence that is found in the proteins of wheat, barley, and rye. (the amino acid sequence of the oat protein actually is somewhat similar - similar enough that a few celiacs do seem to react to it, but not the majority of celiacs.) you can be _allergic_ to wheat proteins (which is different from being intolerant), and you can have low enough sensitivity that the lower gluten content of barley and rye don't give you physical symptoms.