Question about gluten

Becky Tamblyn

Sunday, 1. December 2019 - 11:34

I've just read all about gluten, gliadin and glutamine. My question is, I've recently been having issues when eating wheat based products but I can eat Special K and vinegar without any issue? I have had a blood test but it came back clear? I know I cannot eat rye and most wheat products. By most I can tolerate biscuits. So why can I tolerate special k which is barley and whole wheat? I'm so confused! Please can you help?

Emma Consumer Service

2 days ago

English, USA

Hi,

Thanks for your question. If the blood test you had was to test for coeliac disease, it’s important to check that this was conducted under the right conditions – ie you need to have been eating gluten/ wheat-based foods regularly (at least 1 meal every day for minimum 6 weeks) prior to testing, otherwise your blood result may be falsely negative. If you believe the result to be accurate then it could be that you are suffering from gluten/ wheat sensitivity rather than coeliac disease, however this doesn’t explain the tolerance for Special K and biscuits, particularly if you are reacting badly to other similar-sized portions of wheat-containing foods. Your tolerance for vinegar is less surprising, the barley contained within vinegar is heavily refined and hence most gluten/ wheat-intolerant patients can tolerate this product. It sounds like some more detective work is needed. I’d suggest you ask your GP for a referral to registered gastroenterology dietitian who will be able to conduct a detailed analysis of your diet and symptoms, and hopefully give you some clearer advice and what foods you need to avoid.

Kind regards.

Fomano saab

2 days 22 hours ago

English, USA