Fungus to help coeliacs

A new discovery could offer relief for people suffering with coeliac disease (a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and some other grains).

Dutch researchers have identified an enzyme derived from a common fungus that can break down gluten molecules before they reach the small intestine. They are hoping the enzyme could be developed into a supplement that could help coeliacs in the future and allow them to eat wheat products. They hope to conduct human trials to investigate further.

Source: American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, May 2006