Given the high number of people suffering from celiac disease in the world, a series of studies have been conducted to research the effectiveness of the gluten enzyme
According to a study published in 2020, approximately two-thirds of people with celiac disease are exposed to gluten contamination even when they follow balanced diets without the presence of the protein. Given this large number, having a plan B in the event of accidental exposure is essential to preserving the health and well-being of these individuals – and this is where digestive enzyme for gluten.
Currently, a balanced, gluten-free diet is still the only way to treat celiac disease, a condition that affects 1% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and approximately 2 million people worldwide. Brazil.
The good news for this group is that several biopharmaceutical companies around the world have dedicated themselves to research to find supplements that can help those who cannot digest gluten or who choose to avoid it. Many products on the market even claim to be digestive enzymes that break down gluten. However, on the other hand, there is still no solid research to support these hypotheses.
How does the gluten digestive enzyme work?
There is currently not much evidence to confirm that enzyme supplements work, as the research is still very new. However, it was found that those studied could act through complex methods that prevent the degradation and absorption of gluten in the body, through the following actions:
- Change the gluten in foods so that it doesn’t cause relationships;
- Keep gluten inside the intestine, in what is called the intestinal lumen, so that it cannot be completely digested and put into circulation;
- Prevent the absorption of digested gluten or its components by the intestine;
- Make digested gluten less inflammatory.
After all, is this type of supplement effective?
As gastroenterologist and nutritionist Fernando Valério explained to the “Não Contém Glúten” website, this search for products that promise to digest gluten has been going on for years, with a series of versions arriving on the market.
However, the enzymes currently sold in Brazil are unable to digest gliadin, which is one of the parts that form gluten and is indigestible by any human.
“The problem is that gliadin is precisely the toxic and immunogenic part (which generates inflammatory responses). In other words, the enzyme does not act exactly where it is needed; the harmful part of gluten remains intact.”
Again according to the professional, the enzyme found on the market has no effect on individuals with gluten-related disorders and is not even necessary for those who do not suffer from these problems, since studies cannot justify the exclusion of gluten in this group . of healthy people.
Despite this, research on the topic has been promising: a drug under study, called latiglutenase, has been shown to be able to digest gliadin and neutralize gluten toxicity. It is worth remembering, however, that precisely because it is still in the evaluation phase it is not possible to find it for sale.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
