The idea of excessive GIT permeability to food proteins, such as gluten, has been developed by many studies. Coombs and McLaughlin summarized the problem: "Food proteins in the gastrointestinal tract and their absorption into the body as antigenic molecules have immunologic significance both in

(i) initiating an allergic state and

(ii) in the subsequent challenge(s) where, by a variety of mechanisms, they may cause some form of 'food-allergic disease'."

Increased intestinal permeability to food antigens can be thought of as a generic explanation of systemic food allergy aka "autoimmune diseases".

The association of Crohn's and celiac disease, for example, with psoriasis, arthropathies, sacroileitis and ankylosing spondylitis suggests that increased uptake of food antigens can be the mechanism of systemic inflammatory disease. The absorption of antigenic molecules that originate from food and/or gut microbes may initiate and then maintain inflammation in target organs.

Gardner stated, stated that: "There is still a tendency to regard the intestinal epithelium as an absolute barrier preventing egress of macromolecules... to the systemic circulation. However, there is now overwhelming evidence that this concept has become untenable." The absorption of short-chain amino acid peptides can have profound biological significance since receptors to peptides abound in the body and peptides of about 8 or 9 amino acids and longer can act as antigens. Lutenizing hormone, a decapeptide, is active orally as is thyrotropin-releasing hormone, a modified tripeptide. Great numbers of different peptides can be produced by digestion. There are 400 possible dipeptides, 8000 tripeptide and 160,000 tetrapeptides and so on. Peptides are absorbed by intestinal epithelium and most are hydrolyzed, but some are resistant to hydrolysis and can pass through intact.

Pathological entry of peptides and even intact proteins may occur through a paracellular route, especially if the junctional seals between cells are disrupted.  In a later review, Gardner summarized evidence of GIT absorption of intact proteins, cited evidence of increased intestinal permeability in many disease states, and acknowledged the possibility of food antigens playing a role in systemic disease. Walker et al have shown that "intestinal anaphylaxis can lead to increased uptake of nonspecific intestinal allergens, which in turn can evoke an IgG-mediated reaction leading to further propagation of disease. This secondary process occurring with classic IgE-mediated disease may be important in converting a self-limited process into a chronic disease state." Sharander et al demonstrated IgE- producing plasma cells in the lamina propria of the duodenum in infants with cow's milk protein intolerance. These children had colic, diarrhea, rhinitis, bronchitis, eczema, and urticaria. The study showed that Intestinal mucosal IgE plasma cells can be found in the absence of positive skin tests or serum IgE RAST.

Castro and Powell reviewed evidence that antigen is absorbed by the gut epithelium, by enterocytes, and by bulk-flow via paracellular pathways. Specialized epithelial cells (M-cells) overlie the lymphocytic nodules in Peyer's patches and act as antigen sampling devices. They stated that:  "... the possibility must be entertained that antigens are passively absorbed against tight junctions into the sub-epithelial compartment on a regular basis; that is, there may be routes of antigen permeation across the epithelium in addition to uptake by M cells and enterocytes."

Van Der Meer et al found that in 87 children with recurrent abdominal pain the small bowel permeability was increased with Cr-EDTA. Pain often means that inflammation is occurring in the bowel wall, leading to antigenic macromolecules being absorbed, leading to systemic hypersensitivity reactions. Increased permeability leads to progression of the disease process. The author suggests that a hypersensitivity reaction to certain food antigens is the cause of the increased intestinal permeability. Permeability is a constantly varying feature of the gastrointestinal tract. Many food factors are likely to influence permeability and a number of important adverse factors have been identified. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause gastritis and small intestinal inflammation, bleeding and increased permeability. Other agents that increase permeability are alcoholic beverages, detergents, gold compounds, chelators, ischemia, radiation and cytotoxic drugs.

Elemental Formulas Solve Permeability Problems

Elemental nutrient formulas are designed to solve the problem of increased GIT permeability. By excluding potential antigens from Alpha Nutrition formulas, nutrients are provided in a safe context. All proteins and peptides are excluded. Hydrolyzed proteins are not used so that there is no risk of peptide effects.  Instead of proteins or hydrolyzed proteins, free l-form amino acids are provided.   The individual amino acids fall into two groups: the essential AA's, which must be ingested, and the non-essential AA's, which can be synthesized in the body and need not appear in the food. Nine amino acids are considered essential nutrients, while another eleven or so can be synthesized from the essential amino acids. All 19 nutrient amino acids are included in the Alpha Nutrition Formulas as individual amino acids rated at 100% purity, with the highest solubility attainable. 

The best way to start your recovery is to Order Gluten Rescue Starter Pack . If you are not ready for the starter pack, order books separately.  Click the book title in the center column of the table (below) for more information. Click the green buy now button to order printed books for mail delivery from Alpha Online. Click the yellow download button to download PDF files from Persona Digital Online.

Gluten Problems & Solutions

Alpha Nutrition Program

Gluten Free: The exclusion of wheat, rye, barley are the initial steps when gluten allergy is suspected.  Gluten elimination should be part of a more comprehensive dietary study, preferably in the form outlined in the Alpha Nutrition Program. The Program  is gluten-free and is recommended as the best diet revision strategy for anyone with diagnosed celiac disease, or any person with symptoms suggestive of gluten allergy.  Learn more about the Alpha Nutrition Program  Gluten free recipes are found in the book, Alpha Nutrition Cooking and Recipes.

Alpha Nutrition is a trademark and a division of  Environmed Research Inc. Environmed was founded in 1984 at Vancouver, BC, Canada Online Since 1995. Experts in Self-Managed Care. Experts in Elemental Nutrient Formulas. All Alpha Nutrition formulas, printed books and Starter packs are ordered online. We ship through the Post Office to all destinations in Canada, Continental USA, Alaska, Hawaii. US $ prices depend on the daily dollar exchange rate. Persona Digital is a separate online site dedicated to distributing eBooks, music and other digital documents.