No presently available over-the-counter products have been shown to prevent a terrible glutening in the event that someone unintentionally or purposely ingests gluten, regardless of whether they have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity not caused by celiac disease.
Having an enzyme for her stomach, a woman
Nonetheless, many scientists are investigating digestive enzymes of many kinds as potential therapeutic therapies for celiac disease. This means that in the not-too-distant future, a product using these enzymes to break down gluten to the point where it has no impact on you may be available for purchase either by prescription or over-the-counter. Choosing the gluten free digestive enzymes is essential here.
Retail Enzyme Products Originating in the Autism Treatment Industry
Multiple OTC supplements have been promoted at those who suffer symptoms from gluten intake. Products like this promise to alleviate gluten intolerance symptoms by allowing users to eat meals that contain gluten or are just slightly contaminated with gluten.
At first, these enzymes were marketed almost exclusively to people with autism. Some parents in this group are finding success with the gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet in helping their autistic children.
But as awareness of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity has grown, so has the number of people interested in trying a gluten-free diet. As a result, while catering to those who follow the GFCF diet, many manufacturers are now now aiming their products towards those who suffer from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
However, the treatment of Celiac disease is not included in the claims made for enzymes.
Products that do not make the claim that they can treat celiac disease do not violate FDA regulations on the marketing of unapproved medications (FDA).
To counter this, they say their solution includes enzymes that will help your body break down the gluten protein, and they even indicate that taking their product may allow you to eat “more meals.”
These digestive enzymes are discussed (and promoted) the most often in online forums and discussion groups dedicated to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity since consumers are not barred by FDA restrictions from extolling the alleged benefits of these enzymes.
So yet, there is zero proof that enzymes can reduce gluten’s negative consequences.
The symptoms of glutening stem from your body’s inability to adequately break down the gluten protein, which is why digestive enzymes have been produced and marketed for the express intention of supporting persons in the digestion of gluten.
Marketing for these enzymes claims that using them would help you digest your food properly and save you from experiencing any of the negative side effects associated with food sensitivities.
Conclusion
But although there is evidence to support the possibility that this is the case, there is currently no proof that the over-the-counter enzymes have any special impact on gluten. Bear in mind that these enzymes would need to have an efficacy of over 99% in eliminating gluten in order to avoid a reaction in the majority of persons. This is due to the fact that many individuals experience symptoms even when exposed to trace amounts of gluten.