Researchers in Melbourne have announced the successful completion of clinical trials on a new gluten pill for people suffering with gluten intolerance.
The pill, which is taken before eating, can protect against the side effects of eating gluten.
Professor Finlay Macrae, the head of the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Colorectal Medicine and Genetics, has been involved in three clinical trials to test a particular enzyme in coeliac patients both in Victoria and overseas. The tablet that has been developed contains an enzyme that originates in the papaya fruit, which has shown very promising signs for people with coeliac disease who cannot vouch for the gluten-free nature of the food they’re eating. It’s also been effective for those sufferers who continue to have symptoms even when following a gluten-free diet.
One trial is still underway, but in the completed trials it was shown that the tablet could protect against potential damage to the lining of the gut when coeliac patients ingested gluten. It is also thought to improve chronic skin conditions, which are unfortunately common in coeliac patients.
Not A Gluten-Free Diet Replacement
Professor Macrae made it clear that the intention of the pill was not to replace a gluten-free diet. Rather, the tablet was there to protect coeliac sufferers from two common kinds of injury that are associated with the condition.
“There is the direct toxic effect from the gluten as it injures the lining of the small bowel. Then once that lining is damaged it allows the components of the gluten molecule to get inside the lining of the gut and it induces an immune attack from your own body,” Prof Macrae said in speaking with the Herald Sun.
“The components of gluten that cause those two different effects are slightly different parts of the gluten molecule, and this enzyme seems to target both.”
Glutage, an Australian bio-pharmaceutical company, intends to market the table to about 10% of Australian adults who limit or totally avoid eating wheat-based foods to stop fatigue, tiredness and gastrointestinal upset.
The executive director of the company, Dr Ted Stelmasiak said that the tablet was the result of decades of testing at the Bio 21 Institute in Melbourne.
“Gluten sensitivity is not a fad “¦ it isn’t just a lifestyle choice,” Dr Stelmasiak said.
“For the first time a natural, plant-paced enzyme can help make a positive difference in the lives of those with gluten-related digestion issues.”
However, there has been some information released by Coeliac Australia in response to these trials and reports which state that these pills are not suitable for coeliac patients. Read more on this here.
Source – Herald Sun and Coeliac Australia
