Genetically Modified Wheat For Celiacs?
Would You Eat Genetic Manipulated Wheat?
Gluten, a group of proteins found in cereal grains like wheat, pose major health problems for those with celiac disease, non celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), or gluten intolerances. In an attempt to overcome this necessary diet restriction, scientists are investigating ways to modify genes and breed wheat varieties that do not produce gluten proteins. A research project led by Sachin Rustgi, a molecular breeder at Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center, aims to develop reduced immunogenicity, lysine-rich wheat genotypes using conventional and genome-editing methods. The long-term goal is to remove the immunogenic gluten proteins from the diet while retaining the nutritional benefits of wheat.
Glutens Can be Toxic for Human Health
Gluten consists of two main protein types: glutenins and gliadins. Glutenins contribute to the strength and elasticity of dough, while gliadins provide cohesiveness and extensibility. Consumption of gluten can lead to celiac disease, as well as a plethora of additional autoimmune conditions and extra-intestinal symptoms.
How Common is Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease?
Gluten-related diseases affect millions of people worldwide. Celiac disease affects approximately 1.4% of the global population, while NCGS is estimated to affect between up to 13%. Celiac disease symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, constipation, gas, and other digestive discomforts.
Is it Possible to Develop Non-Immunogenic Wheat Genotypes?
The research project plans to employ a combination of multi-gene editing and nanoparticle-based gene delivery techniques to modify genes responsible for producing gliadin and glutenin proteins. By reducing the immunogenicity of wheat, their aim is to create genotypes that are less likely to trigger adverse reactions in individuals with gluten-related disorders.
Collaborative Research Efforts
The research team comprises experts from various fields, including biology, plant ecophysiology, and social sciences. Collaborators include Charles Rice, a biology professor at Clemson University, Nishanth Tharayil, a plant ecophysiology professor, Gaganjeet Kalara, a graduate student in plant and environmental sciences, and Meghnaa Tallapragda, an assistant professor at Temple University.
Research Project Funding
The project is funded as part of a $16.2 million investment from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Innovative Plant Breeding Research program.
Problems With This Project
Gluten is a major contributor to a number of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. These diseases are predictably reversible with the implementation of a whole foods gluten free diet. Genetic manipulation of foods has not led to a healthier population, and some would argue that it has led to a host of different health issues. I can think of a lot of better ways to spend $16.2 million. Going gluten free is not hard. It requires an education. It requires a little effort and dedication, but at the end of the day, that’s life. As for myself, I will pass on the franken-grains. Will you eat it? Comment below.
Take The Online Gluten Intolerance Test
The proper gluten intolerance test tools must be used to accurately assess gluten sensitivity, whether in children or in adults. This is where a lot of people and doctors get confused.
Traditionally, gluten intolerance testing is only designed to diagnose celiac disease. Remember that gluten sensitivity is not a disease, but it contributes to the development of disease. Celiac disease is only one medical condition caused by gluten. Many people have other diseases caused by gluten sensitivity. If your doctor uses a gluten test to diagnose celiac disease on you and it comes back negative, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have gluten sensitivity. The intestinal biopsy and serum blood tests are examples of inaccurate medical tests for gluten sensitivity. A genetic sensitivity to gluten test offers the greatest degree of accuracy and when combined with a patient’s history and examination, identifying the need to go gluten free can be determined early and accurately. Gluten Free Society offers genetic testing and educational services about gluten such as how common gluten intolerance is.
Gluten-Free Diet Is Not A Trend
Because going on a gluten-free diet takes a great deal of education and commitment, it is recommended that proper gluten sensitivity testing be performed to identify whether the diet is right for you. Remember going gluten-free is not a trendy diet; it is a permanent lifestyle that should be taken very seriously as even small amounts of gluten exposure can cause problems. To accurately diagnose gluten sensitivity, the right gluten intolerance test must be used.
Genetic testing is the gold standard for evaluating gluten sensitivity. Unfortunately, many doctors still use antiquated and inaccurate gluten sensitivity tests. Examples of these include:
Anti-gliadin antibodies – this is a blood test that measures for antibodies to one of the types of gluten found in wheat. It is not very comprehensive and often times gives false-negative results.
Anti-tissue transglutaminase – this test is only specific for celiac disease and also has a tendency to come back falsely negative.
Intestinal Biopsy – this test is also only specific for celiac disease and comes back with a lot of false negatives.
Genetic testing is available here.
Am I Gluten Intolerant?
Some people feel so much better after going gluten free, that they forgo any gluten intolerance test and just stick to the diet. Some people need a black and white answer – Am I gluten sensitive or not? Without a solid answer from a gluten intolerance test, they have trouble justifying the diet and usually cheat on a frequent basis.
The problem with cheating is that gluten can cause damage to the body in very small amounts (20 ppm). The best way to get this black and white answer is to have a gluten intolerance test performed. If you cannot afford to have genetic gluten sensitivity testing performed, take our quick at-home self gluten intolerance test above that you can use to help determine whether or not you are gluten sensitive with our symptoms checklist.
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