Gluten Intolerance Supplement

[AVR1962]

Has anyone here heard of ImmuneCare Glutenase Plus? It is a product from New Zealand that claims:

Immunecare Glutenase Plus contains enzymes with DPP-IV (Dipeptidyl peptidase) activity

DPP-IV can be found in the intestinal tract lining.

One of its primary functions is breaking down gluten.

The DPP-IV enzyme activity assists digestion of proline-containing peptides found primarily in wheat, which are generally resistant to being completely broken down by other enzymes in people who are gluten sensitive.

By introducing the DPP-IV containing enzyme to the digestive tract, Immunecare Glutenase Plus encourages break down and digestion of gluten thus rendering it non-irritant.

It does say the product is not intended with those ulcerative colitis, Crohn's or gastitis, diabetics or celiacs.

I have not been diagnosed with any of the above but know I have a gluten intolerance. I bought the product and actually was surprised. I am not advertising the product or promoting it in anyway. I am not intending on giving up my gluten-free diet either. I do know there are times when I go out to eat or go to a friend's for dinnr that I have no idea if something has gluten and that was what I thought I'd use this for. I have used it twice with meals I knew had glutens in them and I did very well.

I was just wanting to get some feedback from anyone who might have some advise on these products.

[kwylee]

There are more scientific minds than mine on the site but the first thing that always strikes me about products like these is that I'd still be damaging my body. Since gluten is able to affect not just the digestive system, but the brain, joints, skin, etc., then it seems to be able to permeate the entire body on a deeper level. Hopefully someone else can shed additional (and more scientific) light if this is not the case.

[Harpgirl]

I wanted to renew this thread because my husband found glutenase online and I wanted more opinions before we tried it. I was able to have no accidental glutenings for 3 months until a week ago. Do you have to take it beforehand like lactaid? Or would it work if you already start feeling symptoms? I was glutened by my 1 yr old when I wasn't even eating. He accidentally stuck his fingers in my mouth while fighting me when I was putting him in his car seat. Just when I thought I was feeling better, I started feeling sick again yesterday, apparently from the lip of a soda can. When I get glutened, I'm out for the count for about 5-6 days.

My dr diagnosed me with gluten intolerance due to my negative blood test, but positive response to the diet. I still feel as though I have celiac anyway because of personal and family history (and I think my dr knew more about IBS than celiac ). I would definitely not give up my gluten-free diet, but I would like to lessen the symptoms of accidental glutenings.

Any other opinions out there?

[GFinDC]

I figure as long as you understand it is only a possible minor help for accidental glutening, and that it won't prevent an auto-immune reaction, then why not try it. There are plenty of other things people try also. Like L-glutamine, charcoal pills, Pepto Bismol, milk of magnesisia, marhsmallow root, okra, aspirin, ginger tea, alcohol, probably lots more.

Nothing we know of today will prevent an auto-immune reaction, except possibly immuno-suppressants which are not fun to stay on and are potentially dangerous. Steroids might help too but I haven't read up on those. Nothing as simple, cheap, and risk free as the gluten-free diet exists. DPP-Iv is available from several manufacturers, and the prices vary widely. So shop around if you want to get it. Some people say it doesn't help at all. I think it can help a little, but that to me is better than nothing.

[AVR1962]

I wanted to renew this thread because my husband found glutenase online and I wanted more opinions before we tried it. I was able to have no accidental glutenings for 3 months until a week ago. Do you have to take it beforehand like lactaid? Or would it work if you already start feeling symptoms? I was glutened by my 1 yr old when I wasn't even eating. He accidentally stuck his fingers in my mouth while fighting me when I was putting him in his car seat. Just when I thought I was feeling better, I started feeling sick again yesterday, apparently from the lip of a soda can. When I get glutened, I'm out for the count for about 5-6 days.

My dr diagnosed me with gluten intolerance due to my negative blood test, but positive response to the diet. I still feel as though I have celiac anyway because of personal and family history (and I think my dr knew more about IBS than celiac ). I would definitely not give up my gluten-free diet, but I would like to lessen the symptoms of accidental glutenings.

Any other opinions out there?

I found, for me, it helped with the intestinal yuck stuff but it did not help me with the dizziness. For me, being dizzy is my biggest symptom when I get glutened. You do take it before eating gluten like you would a lactose aide. It may work different for different people and I definately would not see it as a solution or a reason to be able to eat glutens as they can cause so much other damage to your system.

You could have celiac even if tests indicate you do not, tests are not accurate. If the gluten-free diet is working for you stick with it. Your health and the way you feel is what is most important. If you have not yet, you might read a book about celiac and see if you connect to any of it.

One thing I use when I have been glutened is activated charcoal. Bottle says to use 2 caps, I use 6. Basically it is an internal cleanse that goes in and starts absorbing. It does not discriminate and cannot just get the gluten, it just takes, and carries it out. Again, no miracle cure but instead of 3+ weeks of being dizzy I will have 1-2 weeks depending....sometimes it is worse than others.

[Harpgirl]

Thanks for the advice and I will definitely try the charcoal thing. So far, I think I'm going to try these other remedies instead of the glutenase. I'm finding that a glass of Merlot helps quite a bit. I've been a T-totaller my whole life, but since this "gluten thing" has hit me, I'm looking anywhere for relief during accidental glutenings. It sheds a whole new light on 1 Timothy 5:23, "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." Makes me wonder if Timothy had celiac!

[GFinDC]

... It sheds a whole new light on 1 Timothy 5:23, "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." Makes me wonder if Timothy had celiac!

Hey, I have wondered about that too. And Paul had a thorn in his side, which could be celiac pain. but there are lots of theories about that. I tried Timothy's cure but I react to grapes now so had to stop the wine and any grape products. Although one day I will try it again, maybe in the dead of winter to see what happens.