Patients with celiac disease may be able to enjoy quinoa.
The grain's storage proteins may be able to "stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses" in patients suffering from gluten-intolerance, allowing them to properly digest it, an American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) news release reported.
Celiac disease is characterized by an immune-based reaction towards gluten (a "storage protein for wheat, barley and rye"). The condition is believed to be genetic, and tends to mostly affect the small intestine.
"The clinical data suggests that daily consumption of quinoa (50 grams) can be safely tolerated by celiac patients," Doctor Victor F. Zevallos of the Department of Gastroenterology, King's College London, said in the news release.
"Median values for all the patients' blood tests remained within normal ranges, and triglycerides and both low and high density lipoproteins decreased. We also found a positive trend towards improved small intestine morphology, particular a mild hypocholesterolemic (very low cholesterol) effect. It's important to note that further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of quinoa consumptions in people with celiac disease," he said.
The researchers looked at 19 celiac patients who led a gluten-free lifestyle but consumed 50 grams of quinoa daily. The team left it up to the participants to decide how to prepare the quinoa.
The team then looked at "diet, serology and gastrointerestinal parameters, [and] detailed histological assessments," of 10 of the patients both before and after quinoa consumption. The team assessed the patients' renal and liver health, blood count, as well as concentrations of "iron, vitamin B12, serum folate and [lipids]."
The researchers concluded that the nutritious grain was "well-tolerated" by the celiac disease patients, and it did not lead to gluten-related symptoms, MayoClinic reported.
Symptoms of celiac disease include: diarrhea; constipation; and weight loss. More serious symptoms can include: loss of bone density; anemia; damage to enamel; headaches and fatigue; acid reflux; joint pain; and skin rashes.
