If you have celiac or gluten sensitivity, then you know that even “gluten-free” foods can contain trace amounts of the protein. This may lead to symptoms like rashes, joint pain, fatigue, infertility and anaemia – or any combination thereof.
Thankfully, there are a variety of gluten test kit that can detect gluten traces in food or surfaces. Unfortunately, they’re often not the most user-friendly options available.
EZ Gluten
If you are gluten sensitive or diagnosed with celiac disease, it can be a daunting process to determine which foods are safe and which ones may contain contamination. Fortunately, test kits exist that will enable you to determine whether a food is gluten-free.
EZ Gluten is a straightforward and accurate test kit that quickly detects gluten proteins in foods and beverages. It’s portable enough to be used while traveling or dining out, with sensitivity levels as low as 10 ppm – two times lower than FDA guidelines!
ELISA Systems developed this kit to detect both gliadin and glutenin, with an antibody that targets the most toxic portion of wheat, barley and rye that can cause serious reactions in those with celiac disease. Furthermore, it is sensitive enough to detect delaminated gluten which cannot be detected by other testing kits.
A laboratory then tests this sample for gluten content. If there are more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten present, a smiley face will appear on the test result.
Gluten Home
If you are on a gluten free diet and find yourself in an unexpectedly gluten-containing situation, such as eating takeout from someone’s house who doesn’t know you have special dietary requirements, consider investing in a test kit.
All these kits can detect gluten, but their sensitivity varies due to a number of factors. For instance, using samples that are too large or containing fermented foods or hydrolysed foods will significantly affect results.
Targeted Genomics
Gluten is a protein complex found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats. It acts as thickener and is also present in various additives and preservatives.
Gluten is a widely-used ingredient in many foods and can be detected through testing. However, it’s important to remember that one sample may not accurately reflect the gluten content of an entire dish.
Test kit
Targeted Genomics offers a test kit that can be done at home. This kit tests three gene markers and requires two mouth swabs to determine your risk for celiac disease. The company claims its test utilizes a patented antibody to identify the 33-mer peptide of gluten protein responsible for activating autoimmunity in people with celiac disease. This makes the test more sensitive than other available ELISA kits which weren’t raised against this specific portion of the protein.
For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it can be challenging to determine which foods are safe to consume. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a range of symptoms from joint pain to fatigue. Fortunately, there are test kits available that can detect gluten in food and surfaces. One popular option is the EZ Gluten kit, which detects gluten proteins in foods and beverages with sensitivity levels as low as 10 parts per million (ppm). This kit utilizes an antibody that specifically targets the most toxic portion of wheat, barley and rye that can cause serious reactions in those with celiac disease.
Another option is Gluten Home, which can be useful in unexpected situations where gluten may be present. However, results can be affected by factors such as sample size and the presence of fermented or hydrolysed foods.
Conclusion
For those who want to assess their risk for celiac disease, Targeted Genomics offers a test kit that utilizes three gene markers and requires two mouth swabs. The company claims that its patented antibody identifies the 33-mer peptide of gluten protein responsible for activating autoimmunity in people with celiac disease, making it more sensitive than other available ELISA kits.
While these test kits can be helpful tools, it’s important to note that one sample may not accurately reflect the gluten content of an entire dish. Additionally, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian if you have concerns about your dietary needs.
