Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Make Your Voice Heard

Ridgewalker

Recommended Posts

Ridgewalker Contributor
Ridgewalker
Posted

The following product is supposedly meant for non-Celiac gluten intolerants. It should not be used as a treatment for Celiac Disease, and (considering the long-term health effects of even small amounts of gluten) to do so could be dangerous. The language on the webpage for this product is confusing and misleading, and I believe it needs to be changed.

Take a look for yourself, Open Original Shared Link

Although Enzymedica states that GlutenEase "is not formulated to prevent celiac symptoms," the advertisements go on to describe Celiac Disease as a "Cause of Gluten Intolerance." Look at the second paragraph under that heading. It states:

"Gluten exhibits a unique amino acid sequence which creates inflammation and a flattening of the villi of our intestinal tract. The villi provide the intestine with the ability to absorb nutrients from the foods we eat, thus damaged villi can lead to responses such as malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies or other digestive disorders."

Since damaged, flattened, or blunted villi are considered to be a defining characteristic of Celiac Disease- not non-Celiac gluten intolerance- I feel that the inclusion of this paragraph is misleading, and frankly down-right bizarre, for a product that is supposedly not aimed at Celiacs.

If this doesn't bother you, ok.

If you think this needs to be changed, click Open Original Shared Link to tell Enzymedica about it.

One last note: This thread is not intended to further inflame an already hot topic. While everyone is free to post whatever they like, this thread is also not intended to be a place of major debate. It's simply an opportunity to make your voice heard, and a place to post any responses you get from this company, if you wish.

Thanks for your time.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Ridgewalker Contributor
Ridgewalker
Posted
  • Author

Well! It may not be necessary to bombard them with messages after all. I've heard back from them, and it looks like they're going to change the webpage. After my comment that I sent from the above link, this man, Dave Barton, wrote me back. His first response mainly consisted of a long excerpt from a book on Autism.

So I wrote this back:

Mr. Barton

Thanks for your response.

I actually find the relationship between Autism and gluten very exciting, and expect to see huge strides being made now and in the future. It doesn't, however, really have much to do with my current concerns.

You noted that both non-Celiac, and Celiac sufferers have used the product, with some finding relief. I'll be the first one to jump up and say, "It's any individual's prerogative to try any supplement they want." But I do believe that it's a company's responsibility to be accurate and up-front about their products. So I'll be specific on the problem(s) I'm seeing.

This is a section from the webpage Open Original Shared Link

" Cause of Gluten Intolerance

For many individuals who consume wheat or dairy products, the

particular proteins gluten and/or casein are difficult to digest and

can lead to intestinal inflammation, malabsorption and a number of

disorders including Leaky Gut or other syndromes.

Gluten exhibits a unique amino acid sequence which creates

inflammation and a flattening of the villi of our intestinal tract.

The villi provide the intestine with the ability to absorb nutrients

from the foods we eat, thus damaged villi can lead to responses such

as malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies or other digestive disorders."

The first paragraph is perfectly true, and I don't have any issue with it. The second paragraph is another story. Gluten does not do that to just anyone, or even just anyone with gluten intolerance. The only way that paragraph is true, is if by "our intestinal tract," you mean Celiacs' intestinal tracts.

In other words, if you are gluten intolerant and you have flattened villi or damaged villi, then you have Celiac Disease. In fact, you will be officially diagnosed with Celiac if you have damaged/flattened/blunted villi, even if you're asymptomatic.

Discovering damaged or flattened villi via small-intestine biopsy is currently THE defining, gold-standard method of diagnosing Celiac Disease... NOT non-Celiac gluten intolerance.

Why does this bother me so much? Because the whole point of GlutenEase makes it easier for people to be more relaxed about their diet. They don't have to worry so much about eating a risky food, or getting

cross-contamination at a restaurant.

For a Celiac, relaxed vigilance can be deadly. There is absolutely no evidence that GlutenEase prevents or reduces an autoimmune response in a Celiac (which is why you guys have to put the statement, "GlutenEase

is not formulated to prevent celiac symptoms" on your webpage.)

That autoimmune response causes damaged villi in the small intestine, malabsorption, and so many terrible long-term problems, such as: infertility, osteoporosis, miscarriage, and cancer.

These awful health problems (and even DEATH) are well-worth being abundantly clear about who GlutenEase is meant for.

Currently, Enzymedica is not being nearly clear enough.

End of my email.

Mr. Barton's Response:

Dear Ms. -------,

I absolutely see your point. I have never read the paragraph in the context you're providing and can now see how it may cause confusion. Thank you for identifying the specific point. I will take this to our website

administrator and tech team to make the appropriate changes as soon as possible. The earliest I can do this is on Monday Aug 4th. We are launching a new website so this change will be imperative to the next site.

Please let me assure you that in no way did we want to imply a reference to Celiac disease and honestly from my own personal perspective being one of the team members that tried to write the article in an informed neutral way it was not our intention to mislead anyone. The key to seeing your point was the your patience in identifying and clearly explaining your point of view and I am in agreement with it and will do all I can to change it as soon as possible.

May I ask, would you like to make some suggestions on appropriate wording for the correction of this website and our upcoming new one?

Sincerely,

Dave Barton

dave@enzymedica.com

888-918-1118

This is a fantastic response, and an opportunity!!!

I plan on writing him back later this weekend. Any suggestions are welcome- you can either post them here, and I'll include them, or you can send them yourself!

tom Contributor
tom
Posted

You go, girl!!!!!!!

:) :) :) :)

elye Community Regular
elye
Posted

Way to go, Sarah! :):)

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

WAY TO GO SARAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This just goes to show the power of passion. The Golden Yeti Award goes to you. ;)

...and don't forget to take them up on their offer.

dksart Apprentice
dksart
Posted

Wow! Actual concern from a major company. Amazing.

As stated above, you go girl!

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

Sarah--that's fantastic!!!! Way to go!! :D:D

What a great response :)

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Judyin Philly Enthusiast
Judyin Philly
Posted

Sarah---------fantastic !!!!!!!!!!

what a responce.

Judy

Ridgewalker Contributor
Ridgewalker
Posted
  • Author
The Golden Yeti Award goes to you. ;)

WOOHOO!!! :lol:

Thanks everybody. I'm going to write him back Sunday evening, to give people a chance to post any suggestions here. (And of course, everybody's free to write to them yourselves.)

psawyer Proficient
psawyer
Posted

Wonderful!

Sarah, you have made a difference today. Be proud of yourself.

Hummingbird4 Explorer
Hummingbird4
Posted

Your letter to them was fabulous, and I am also impressed with their reply! Good for you! :)

DingoGirl Enthusiast
DingoGirl
Posted
This just goes to show the power of passion. The Golden Yeti Award goes to you. ;)

:lol: Indeed it does.

Wonderful!

Sarah, you have made a difference today. Be proud of yourself.

Yeah, what he said!!!!!!!!!

:)

good work, Sarah!

sickchick Community Regular
sickchick
Posted

DAMM GIRL!!! B)

Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted

Sarah,

I have to say it. :) This response from Enzymedica is probably one of the best I've seen from *any* company. There is concern and sincerity in his reply....and you didnt wait days for it to come.

Wow! Actual concern from a major company. Amazing.

Yes it is. :)

Good Job Sarah!! :D

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Way t'kick butt, Babe!!!

MyMississippi Enthusiast
MyMississippi
Posted

Jestgar,

Is that a picture of your cat ?? Is he missing??? Looks just like the cat that Foxx news is showing as lost and they are looking for his owner. He weighs 44 lbs. ! ! ! ! :o

gfpaperdoll Rookie
gfpaperdoll
Posted

Good for you!!!!! B)B)

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted
Jestgar,

Is that a picture of your cat ?? Is he missing??? Looks just like the cat that Foxx news is showing as lost and they are looking for his owner. He weighs 44 lbs. ! ! ! ! :o

:)

I saw him on the news too, so I thought I'd give him a little more face time. I think I heard that they've found his owner though...

Tewa Newbie
Tewa
Posted

HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's my baby!!!!!!!!

And OHG - I haven't seen that pic in a while and Holy Cow! You look like me - only lot's better

and you know...way younger.

Anyway - most excellent job. Set them straight ... then send them a bill.

Ridgewalker Contributor
Ridgewalker
Posted
  • Author
HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's my baby!!!!!!!!

And OHG - I haven't seen that pic in a while and Holy Cow! You look like me - only lot's better

and you know...way younger.

Anyway - most excellent job. Set them straight ... then send them a bill.

:lol: Hi, Mom. :D

Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted
:lol: Hi, Mom. :D

:lol:

How cute Sarah. :)

Hi Sarah's mom!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,918
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Linda matthews
    Newest Member
    Linda matthews
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70.5k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      How many grams is there in one slice of wheat bread?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      The first set of results show two positive results for celiac disease, so at the very least it looks like you could have it, or at the least NCGS.   Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.      
    • Scott Adams
      Confused with test results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Elevated tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) levels are highly specific for celiac disease, and they are a key biomarker used in its diagnosis. However, there are some rare instances where elevated tTG-IgA levels have been reported in conditions other than celiac disease. While these cases are not common, they have been documented in the literature. Below are some examples and references to studies or reviews that discuss these scenarios:  1. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)    - NCGS typically does not cause elevated tTG-IgA levels, as it is not an autoimmune condition. However, some individuals with NCGS may have mild elevations in tTG-IgA due to intestinal inflammation or other factors, though this is not well-documented in large studies.    - Reference: Catassi, C., et al. (2013). *Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: The New Frontier of Gluten-Related Disorders*. Nutrients, 5(10), 3839–3853. [DOI:10.3390/nu5103839](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5103839)  2. Autoimmune Diseases    - Elevated tTG-IgA levels have been reported in other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is thought to be due to cross-reactivity or polyautoimmunity.    - Reference: Sblattero, D., et al. (2000). *The Role of Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase in the Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease*. Autoimmunity Reviews, 1(3), 129–135. [DOI:10.1016/S1568-9972(01)00022-3](https://doi.org/10.1016/S1568-9972(01)00022-3)  3. Chronic Liver Disease    - Conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can sometimes lead to elevated tTG-IgA levels, possibly due to increased intestinal permeability or immune dysregulation.    - Reference: Vecchi, M., et al. (2003). *High Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Role for Gluten-Free Diet?* Gastroenterology, 125(5), 1522–1523. [DOI:10.1016/j.gastro.2003.08.031](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gastro.2003.08.031)  4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)    - Some patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may have elevated tTG-IgA levels due to intestinal inflammation and damage, though this is not common.    - Reference: Walker-Smith, J. A., et al. (1990). *Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease*. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 10(3), 389–391. [DOI:10.1097/00005176-199004000-00020](https://doi.org/10.1097/00005176-199004000-00020)  5. Infections and Parasites    - While infections (e.g., giardiasis) are more commonly associated with false-positive tTG-IgA results, chronic infections or parasitic infestations can sometimes lead to elevated levels due to mucosal damage.    - Reference: Rostami, K., et al. (1999). *The Role of Infections in Celiac Disease*. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(11), 1255–1258. [DOI:10.1097/00042737-199911000-00010](https://doi.org/10.1097/00042737-199911000-00010)  6. Cardiac Conditions    - Rarely, heart failure or severe cardiovascular disease has been associated with elevated tTG-IgA levels, possibly due to gut ischemia and increased intestinal permeability.    - Reference: Ludvigsson, J. F., et al. (2007). *Celiac Disease and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study*. American Heart Journal, 153(6), 972–976. [DOI:10.1016/j.ahj.2007.03.019](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2007.03.019)  Key Points: - Elevated tTG-IgA levels are highly specific for celiac disease, and in most cases, a positive result strongly suggests celiac disease. - Other conditions causing elevated tTG-IgA are rare and often accompanied by additional clinical findings. - If celiac disease is suspected, further testing (e.g., endoscopy with biopsy) is typically required for confirmation. If you’re looking for more specific studies, I recommend searching PubMed or other medical databases using terms like "elevated tTG-IgA non-celiac" or "tTG-IgA in non-celiac conditions." Let me know if you’d like help with that!
    • MaryMJ
      Water filters and gluten

      By MaryMJ · Posted

      I called zero water and they state their filters do not contain gluten or gluten containing ingredients. 
    • trents
      What should I do with these test results?

      By trents · Posted

      I agree. Doesn't look like you have celiac disease. Your elevated DGP-IGG must be due to something else. And it was within normal at that after your gluten challenge so it is erratic and doesn't seem to be tied to gluten consumption.
    • Jack Common
      How many grams is there in one slice of wheat bread?

      By Jack Common · Posted

      Hello! I want to share my situation. I had symptoms like some food intolerance, diarrhea, bloating, belching one year ago. I thought I could have celiac disease so I did the blood tests. The results were ambiguous for me so I saw the doctor and he said I needed to do tests to check whether I had any parasites as well. It turned out I had giardiasis. After treating it my symptoms didn't disappear immediately. And I decided to start a gluten free diet despite my doctor said I didn't have it. After some time symptoms disappeared but that time it wasn't unclear whether I'd had them because of eliminating gluten or that parasite. The symptoms for both are very similar. Giardiasis also damages the small intestine. The only way to check this was to start eating bread again as I thought. Now about my results.   These are my first test results (almost a year ago) when I had symptoms: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody - 0.5 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 3.0 is normal) The Tissue Transglutaminase IgG antibody - 6.6 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 3.0 is normal) Immunoglobulin A - 1.91 g/l (for the lab I did the tests 0.7 to 4 g/l is normal) IgA Endomysial antibody (EMA) - < 1:10 titer (for the lab I did the tests < 1:10 titer is normal) IgG Endomysial antibody (EMA) - < 1:10 titer (for the lab I did the tests < 1:10 titer is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgA - 0.3 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 6.0 is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 46.1 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 6.0 is normal)   Then I didn't eat gluten for six months. Symptoms disappeared. And I started a gluten challenge. Before the challenge I did some tests. My results: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgG antibody - 0.5 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 28 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)   During the challenge I ate 6 slices of wheat bread. After the challenge my results are: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody - 2.0 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) The Tissue Transglutaminase IgG antibody - 2.0 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) Immunoglobulin A - 1.31 g/l (for the lab I did the tests 0.7 to 4 g/l is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgA - 2.0 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 2.13 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)   To be sure I continued consuming gluten. I ate a lot each day. Two months after I did the tests again. My results I got today are: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody - 0.7 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) Immunoglobulin A - 1.62 g/l (for the lab I did the tests 0.7 to 4 g/l is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 25.6 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)   Nowadays I didn't have any symptoms except tiredness but I think it's just work. I think it was this parasite because two years ago, for example, and before I didn't have these symptoms and I always ate gluten food. But I'm still not sure especially because the Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG results are sometimes high. What do you think? @Scott Adams
×
×
  • Create New...