Some quinoa varieties may be unsuitable for strict gluten-free diets, study suggests

By Caroline Scott-Thomas

- Last updated on GMT

Some quinoa varieties may be unsuitable for strict gluten-free diets, study suggests

Related tags Gluten-free diet Coeliac disease Wheat Celiac disease

A new study has questioned advice to include quinoa in gluten-free diets for those with celiac disease, finding that some varieties may trigger symptoms.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition​, suggested that more thorough testing of different varieties of quinoa is necessary to ensure their suitability for those with celiac disease, after researchers found two of 15 varieties contained levels of celiac-toxic elements sufficient to cause an allergic response in a minority of gluten-sensitive people.

The researchers tested 15 different quinoa varieties, and four samples triggered some antibody reaction, although all had levels of gluten epitopes that were below the 20mg per kg suggested for foods that can be labeled as gluten-free.

“The current study highlights the importance of examining different cultivars as part of a comprehensive safety assessment of novel gluten-free products,”​ they wrote.

They stressed that most of the quinoa cultivars tested did not contain quantifiable celiac-toxic elements, and further research in celiac patients was necessary, rather than duodenal biopsy samples – as used in this research –to determine whether certain varieties of quinoa could elicit an allergic response in some individuals.

“Generally, quinoa is safe for patients with CD [celiac disease],”​ they concluded. “However, we observed large variability in the immune effects of protein, depending on the cultivar tested, as occurs in oats.”

More work is needed “to confirm the suitability of quinoa for patients with CD and to facilitate its full incorporation in the gluten-free market,”​ they wrote.

Quinoa is one of a handful of grains and grain-like seeds that is often recommended as an alternative to gluten-containing grains for those following a strict gluten-free diet. Native to South America and high in protein and a range of minerals, it may be an important source of certain nutrients for many celiac patients.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder with symptoms caused by consumption of gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt. The only treatment currently available is complete avoidance of dietary gluten.

 

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

First published ahead of print July 3, 2012 as doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.030684

“Variable activation of immune response by quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) prolamins in celiac disease”

Authors: Victor F Zevallos, H Julia Ellis, Tanja _Suligoj, L Irene Herencia, and Paul J Ciclitira

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

GET GREEN FASTER: Low-CI Dextrose/Glucose Syrups

GET GREEN FASTER: Low-CI Dextrose/Glucose Syrups

Content provided by Green Plains Inc. | 01-Mar-2024 | Data Sheet

Elevate your products with Green Plains’ premium, low carbon-intensity corn syrups. Drop-in replacements with an up to 40% lower carbon footprint than...

Efficacy of OLESSENCE™ B Liquid Natural Flavouring

Efficacy of OLESSENCE™ B Liquid Natural Flavouring

Content provided by Kemin Food Technologies | 26-Feb-2024 | Case Study

The main challenge with baked goods today is the prevention of oxidative rancidity with natural alternatives while maintaining the quality, freshness,...

Bun quality issues? Let us help

Bun quality issues? Let us help

Content provided by Corbion | 03-Jan-2024 | Insight Guide

Most bakeries occasionally struggle with bun quality, from low product volume to crust issues and grain/cell problems. The good news is that most bun quality...

Related suppliers

1 comment

gluten in quinoa

Posted by sergio,

I would love to get more details on the "cultivars" that were analyzed. Samples of quinoa grown in areas that rotate with wheat or barley are cross-contaminated at the fields. Quinoa grown at the shores of the Bolivian salt flats (no rotation) always test under 5PPM.

Report abuse

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars