Hi....
I'd like to know if anyone on here has used Gluten Digest and what their results were?
Thanks!
Del

I am not familiar with it. What is it?

Here's a link to some info: http://www.nowfoods.com/?action=itemdetail...;item_id=101094

This particular product doesn't seem to claim it's for people with celiac. I'm guessing it's for non-celiacs, kindof like a digestive enzyme? I don't know a lot about digestive enzymes (try doing a search, I know they've been discussed before), but my general impression is that they can be helpful. BUT - I do not think that this product is intended to be taken by a celiac prior to consuming gluten. If that is the claim or the way people use it, I think it will end up harming you. I don't think there is any way this enzyme can "digest" all gluten particles for you, and if a few particles are undigested, you will be damaging your intestine.

There have been some recent FDA trials about new drugs that will help celiacs digest gluten. These are currently being marketed for accidental glutenings, though, not so you can go out and eat a slice of gluten pizza.

It's put out by NOW.....there web site is www.now.com Supposed to allow us to eat some gluten.....I don't want to try it until I've heard from someone that used it successfully!

Thanks...I saw there ad at a grocery store (many Gluten Free items sold there too).....their ad claimed 20 Million Americans who have difficulty digesting gluten, can consider this a personal invitation to enjoy your favorite foods once again! Advertised for Gluten sensitivity and intolerance.
I did go to their web site Before posting but didn't get the same claims on there so I sure wasn't going to try it without hearing from some people who had used it!!!
Sure appreciate your comments!!! Thanks again!
Del

Ah, so it is being marketed as a product for celiacs! I would note that there is a disclaimer that none of their claims are evaluated by the FDA so it is unlikely there is any evidence or medical study to back them up.

Here's a recent thread on AT-1001, a similar drug that is working to get FDA approval right now. Search for AT-1001, I know some people on this site have participated in the clinical trials for it. Even if this does get approved, I do not plan to take it.
http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/index.php?s...mp;#entry397542

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/...L07536520080130

This is interesting.

I think because of the mess 'science' has made of our food and the problems we are experiencing because of it, I would be pretty skeptical about taking yet another chemical 'concoction' to combat the damage!

Just like 'science' seems to be unaware of the damage to our guts, how would we know this wasn't actually giving us yet something else to be quietly and insidiously causing us damage!

Thanks for the link....I just checked out and I'm with you....I don't want to "TRY" it without a lot more proof!!!!

Thanks for the link! I'm going to keep my eye on this.

'Fraid I have to agree with you wholeheartedly!!!!

It's a supplement, consisting of probiotic type enzymes, and not a pharmaceutical drug, so it does not fall under FDA supervision unless they make bogus claims that it has the actions of a drug... that being said, the manufacturers are really pushing the limit of what would be acceptable in their claims for this product, because they are saying that it would "help digest gluten" for "individuals who have not been otherwise able to tolerate many of their favorite foods." Thus implying it would be for "gluten intolerance" a known medical condition.

They might not be claiming out right that it is for the treatment of celiac, but they surely are MARKETING to people with celiac or gluten intolerance, and there is no reason to actually take this stuff, because there is no scientific proof that this supplement would actually render the gluten harmless to the gluten intolerant person. Even if it made it "easier to digest" there is no proof that it would break down all gluten proteins consumed to where they would not provoke any auto immune response. It doesn't matter if it feels easier to digest the food or not, it is what is going on in the whole body in terms of provoking antibodies to be created. The world is full of undiagnosed people who already don't react dramatically enough to gluten containing foods that they become immediately ill upon consumption of them, and hence don't realize they are harming themselves.

The last thing that would be good for someone is to gain the ability to eat something that is silently causing great harm and other complications.

Supplements are not manufactured so they have to "prove" that they work. Some supplements do have beneficial properties, such as vitamins and minerals, and some herbs, others are harmless but useless, and some are dangerous if they are taken to replace the function of a medicine or to supposedly allow the person to continue the bad habit if they just take a "magic pill."


here's some advertisements for this product, "Gluten Digest."
http://www26.netrition.com/now_gluten_digest.html
quote: "The precise arrangement of enzymes used to formulate BioCore® DPPiv was extensively researched and scientifically developed to support the healthy and normalized digestion of gluten, carbohydrates, and other proline-rich proteins. This product represents a breakthrough in digestive enzyme support, and shows tremendous promise in normalizing the digestive process for those who have not been able to otherwise tolerate many of their favorite foods."

Now here is another page where the Gluten Digest is showing up right next to gluten free foods like Kinnikinnick cookies and Genisoy Potato Crisps. Talk about a brilliant juxtaposition. "Helps digest Gluten and Cereal Grains."
http://shopping.aol.com/gluten/vitamins-an...nts-subcat-166/

Here's another one with the Gluten Digest stuck in next to Mi Del Cookies and Gluten Free Pantry Cake and Cookie Mix. http://www.nextag.com/gluten/search-html
"helps digest gluten and cereal grains"

Okay, here is an advertisement for another product, very similiar ingredients, and this time they are over the line. "BioCore DPP IV" http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-BioCore-DPP-IV

quote: "Certain peptide sequences caused by the partial digestion of gluten proteins contribute to the agitation of gastrointestinal conditions. If left undigested, these peptide fragments can cause immune responses that inflame the lining of the small intestine. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is one of the enzyme activities required to break down these peptides.

BioCore DPP IV™ is a proprietary formulation of proteases that provides standardized DPP IV activity. It aids in the breakdown of gluten oligopeptides that are resistant to digestion by action of gastric and pancreatic enzymes.

When taken in conjunction with a gluten-restricted diet, BioCore DPP IV™ can help minimize the discomfort experienced by those who have difficulty digesting foods containing gluten. BioCore DPP IV™ also assists in breaking down a substantial amount of the gluten found in some common wheat-containing foods. "


And look at this claim:

quote: "Contributes to the breakdown of TNF- alpha, a pro inflammatory cytokine that agitates many forms of IBD"

What a crock. "TNF- alpha" is tumor necrosis factor, the stuff the expensive biological modifying arthritis drugs are given to patients to try to alter their immune systems so they don't react to whatever is triggering their bodies to attack their own tissues. Tumor necrosis factor kills cancer cells in your body.

They were smart enough to try to give themselves an out by putting a disclaimer on the bottom "this product is not intended to replace a gluten controlled diet or to prevent or treat gluten allergies."


This is the sort of deceptive advertising that gives supplements a bad name.
Think about it, the casual reader of these advertisements, without being educated, would be thinking that if a gluten intolerant person just took a digestive enzyme, they could then digest gluten and not have any other health problems.

These companies rely on consumers that don't/won't investigate their products before buying due to their "fanciful" advertisements!!!! They say that millions/billions of dollars are spent each year on false cures for this arthritis and other illnesses....such a shame!!

Would this product help -maintain- a gluten-free diet? As in, would it help one prevent from getting "glutened" because of trace particles in food?

NO.
But the advertisers are implying it would, which is not only false, but dangerous.