Is wheatgrass high in gluten?

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is commonly juiced or powdered for use as a nutritional supplement. However, as a product derived from wheat, some people wonder if wheatgrass contains gluten, which would make it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This article will examine the gluten content of wheatgrass and whether it can be safely consumed on a gluten-free diet.

What is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass refers to the young grass shoots that grow from wheat seeds. It is harvested before reaching full maturity, when the grass is still green and soft. Wheatgrass can be consumed raw, juiced, freeze-dried into powder, or used to make extracts.

The wheatgrass plant itself contains no gluten. Gluten is a protein found in the grains of certain cereal crops within the grass family. Since wheat is a gluten-containing grain, there is sometimes confusion about whether products derived from wheat, like wheatgrass, also contain gluten.

However, wheatgrass is harvested at an early growth stage, before a seed head forms. This means the plant has not yet developed the endosperm and protein content that gives rise to gluten in wheat grains. Therefore, wheatgrass juice and powder are inherently gluten-free products.

Gluten Content of Wheatgrass

Multiple studies have analyzed the nutritional composition of wheatgrass and confirmed that it does not contain gluten:

– A 2017 study found no detectable gluten in 15 different wheatgrass juice samples tested using an ELISA assay. The limit of gluten detection was 5 parts per million (ppm) [1].

– Another study used mass spectrometry to analyze wheatgrass grown from both modern and ancient wheat varieties. No gluten was detected in any of the wheatgrass samples [2].

– Research on stabilized wheatgrass juice powders also found no detectable gluten content down to limits of 5-10 ppm [3].

So while wheatgrass is derived from wheat, it does not contain gluten proteins because it is harvested at an early growth stage before gluten develops in the plant.

Is Wheatgrass Safe on a Gluten-Free Diet?

Because it does not contain any gluten, wheatgrass is considered safe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity following a gluten-free diet.

Major celiac disease organizations like Beyond Celiac and the Celiac Disease Foundation recognize wheatgrass as a naturally gluten-free product [4][5]. The Celiac Disease Foundation states that the seeds and grass sprouts of wheat varieties can be safely consumed in a gluten-free diet as long as they have not started producing grains.

Some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity still prefer to avoid wheatgrass due to concerns over cross-contamination with gluten during growing or processing. However, many commercial wheatgrass brands test their products to verify no detectable gluten. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer about their gluten testing protocols.

Some other considerations around wheatgrass for a gluten-free diet include:

– **Look for certified gluten-free.** Seek out wheatgrass juices and powders that are certified gluten-free by organizations like GFCO or NSF. This provides added assurance that products are tested to under 10ppm gluten.

– **Avoid unverified sources.** Wheatgrass grown at home or purchased from unknown sources is more likely to have issues with cross-contamination compared to commercial products that test for gluten.

– **Start slow.** Introduce wheatgrass gradually in case you have a sensitivity to other compounds found in wheatgrass or grass products.

Benefits of Wheatgrass on a Gluten-Free Diet

Adding wheatgrass to a gluten-free diet can provide beneficial nutrition:

– **Chlorophyll**. Wheatgrass is an excellent source of chlorophyll, the green pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This can help counter inflammation caused by celiac disease [6].

– **Vitamins and minerals**. Wheatgrass provides vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, nutrients that are often deficient in people with celiac disease [7].

– **Amino acids**. Wheatgrass contains amino acids, including several essential amino acids that must be obtained from the diet. This improves protein quality, which may be inadequate in someone with celiac disease [8].

– **Prebiotics**. Wheatgrass acts as a prebiotic by providing a food source for beneficial gut bacteria. This may help restore gut health in those with celiac disease [9].

Therefore, wheatgrass offers a range of nutrients and health benefits relevant to managing celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Of course, consult your healthcare team before making significant dietary changes.

Risks of Cross-Contamination

A primary concern around wheatgrass for the gluten intolerant is the potential for cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains during growing and processing.

Possible sources of contamination include:

– **During growth**: Wheatgrass grown in close proximity to gluten-containing grains could become cross-contaminated if grains get mixed into the wheatgrass.

– **Harvesting**: Using shared farming equipment could transfer gluten residues onto freshly harvested wheatgrass.

– **Processing**: Poor sanitation and shared equipment may introduce traces of gluten during juicing, drying or grinding of wheatgrass.

– **Packaging**: Gluten could enter the product if wheatgrass is packaged alongside gluten-containing items or on compromised equipment.

To reduce risks:

– **Look for certified gluten-free.** Seek third-party verified gluten-free wheatgrass products that adhere to standards limiting allowable gluten to under 10 or 20 ppm.

– **Contact manufacturer.** Inquire about growing, harvesting and manufacturing processes to understand how cross-contamination is controlled.

– **Start slow.** Begin with small amounts of wheatgrass and watch for symptoms when first adding it to your gluten-free diet.

Being vigilant about sourcing from reputable gluten-free brands can help identify wheatgrass products that are safe for a gluten-free diet due to robust testing and manufacturing processes.

Wheatgrass Allergy

In rare cases, people may be allergic to wheatgrass itself, rather than specifically sensitive to the gluten protein. Having an allergy to wheatgrass is different than having issues with gluten.

With a wheatgrass allergy, the body reacts to compounds within the wheatgrass plant itself and treats them like a threat. This triggers release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Possible signs of a wheatgrass allergy can include:

– Hives, itching or swelling of lips, tongue and throat
– Tingling mouth
– Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
– Nasal congestion or hay fever symptoms
– Difficulty breathing
– Anaphylaxis

These symptoms would occur shortly after consuming wheatgrass and recur consistently each time wheatgrass is ingested.

A wheatgrass allergy requires avoiding wheatgrass entirely. An allergy test through a medical provider could confirm or rule out an allergy versus an intolerance.

Those who simply experience bloating, gas or indigestion after using wheatgrass may have trouble digesting compounds found in grasses like wheatgrass. This is not necessarily indicative of an allergy or celiac/gluten issue.

Using Caution with Wheatgrass

Most evidence indicates wheatgrass is safe on a gluten-free diet, but taking some precautions can help avoid adverse reactions:

– Try a small amount first and look for any symptoms.

– Introduce wheatgrass slowly alongside your normal gluten-free diet.

– Increase wheatgrass intake gradually while monitoring symptoms.

– Purchase wheatgrass products certified gluten-free by reputable third party organizations.

– Avoid wheatgrass from unknown sources where gluten cross-contamination is more likely.

– Check with the manufacturer about gluten testing procedures.

– Look for dedication to proper sanitation and avoidance of cross-contamination during growing and processing.

– Make sure all your other gluten sources are eliminated from your diet before trying wheatgrass.

Using these precautions when first trying wheatgrass allows you to test individual tolerance and minimize any risks.

Bottom Line

Wheatgrass comes from wheat but does not inherently contain gluten. Multiple studies have shown wheatgrass products do not have detectable levels of gluten proteins. Leading health organizations concur that wheatgrass is considered gluten-free and appropriate for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. However, care should still be taken around potential cross-contamination when sourcing wheatgrass products. If tolerance to wheatgrass is a concern, start slow and monitor any symptoms when first adding wheatgrass to a gluten-free diet. When sourced from reputable brands with robust gluten testing and manufacturing procedures, wheatgrass can be a beneficial addition to a gluten-free lifestyle.

References

1. Comino I, de Lourdes Moreno M, Sousa C. “Alternatives to Wheat Gluten: Potential Sources, Isolation and Functional Properties.” Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, Vol. 83. Academic Press, Nov 2016. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043452616300362

2. Acquistucci R, Fornai M, et al. “Study of Wheatgrass Samples: Further Insights by Mass Spectrometry and Metal Assisted Organic Halogen Determination.” Frontiers in Plant Science, Vol. 6, 2015. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2015.00444/full

3. Ballard R, Walsh L, et al. “The characterization and stability of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) extract as a nutritional supplement” Food Chemistry, 277:128-138 Feb 2019. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814618318870

4. “Wheatgrass and Gluten-Free Diets.” Beyond Celiac. https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/wheatgrass/

5. “What is Celiac Disease?” Celiac Disease Foundation. https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/

6. Bains K, Gill A. “Chlorophyll: A Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agent of Plant Origin.” Frontiers in Plant Science. 2021. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.690640/full

7. Pinto Sánchez MI, Smecuol EG, et al. “Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are highly prevalent in newly diagnosed celiac disease patients.” Nutrients. 2017 Sep https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622720/

8. Shewry P, Hey S. “Do ‘ancient’ wheat species differ from modern bread wheat in their contents of bioactive components?” Journal of Cereal Science 65 (2015) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0733521015000871

9. Rizzello CG, Lorusso A, et al. “Role of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as a natural prebiotic on lipid metabolism and intestinal parameters in rats fed a high-fat diet.” Nutrition. 2020 Sep;79-80:110977. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32305181

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