GLUTEN: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: Gluten: animator of the dough


WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Gluten is a protein complex in grains like wheat and barley, giving dough its elasticity, but can cause issues like coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting 2% of the population. Managing coeliac disease requires a strict low-gluten diet.

Gluten and Coeliac Disease

What is Gluten:

·         A protein complex in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, forming an elastic mesh in dough, giving it a chewy texture.

·         Composed mainly of proteins gliadin and glutenin.

Gluten Intolerance:

·         Due to incomplete digestion by protease enzyme, undigested gluten can cause gastrointestinal issues in some individuals.

Coeliac Disease:

·         An autoimmune disorder where gluten intake triggers the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, affecting about 2% of the population.

·         Symptoms include severe diarrhea and anemia; diagnosis through blood tests, endoscopy, or genetic testing.

Treatment:

·         Managing coeliac disease requires a strict low-gluten diet to control symptoms.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/gluten-animator-of-the-dough/article68851884.ece#:~:text=This%20said%2C%20gluten%20is%20equally,body%20can%20develop%20gastrointestinal%20problems.