Springfield Celiacs

FDA Proposes New Standards for Gluten-free Food

Currently there is neither a regulatory definition of the term 'gluten free,' nor is there agreement among manufacturers or consumers as to what this term means," the agency said in a proposal posted on its Web site. 

Under the new rules, foods claiming to be "gluten-free" must not contain any type of wheat, rye, or barley, including hybrids. They also can't use any ingredient made from such grains without having the gluten removed first.

Foods that carry the claim, but fail to meet the definition "would be deemed misbranded," the FDA said. Those that are naturally free of gluten and carry the claim without saying all such foods are also gluten-free would be considered in violation.

I find that last bit rather silly.

Link to FDA Proposes New Standards for Gluten-free Food

Gluten-Free Beer Goes Mainstream

Anheuser-Busch recently introduced the gluten-free beer, Redbridge. 

Anheuser-Busch said it worked closely with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in developing Redbridge. Celiac disease is a disorder that can cause damage to the intestines when anything is consumed containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and oats.

It's nice to see such a major player take notice of this market. Perhaps others will be hot on their heels.

At least three smaller brewers make gluten-free beer in the U.S. Lakefront Brewery Inc. of Milwaukee, Wis., makes New Grist out of sorghum and rice. Ramapo Valley Brewing in Hillburn, N.Y., makes Passover Honey Beer by adding hops to honey and molasses. Bard’s Tale Beer Co. in Kansas City makes Dragon’s Gold. (MSNBC. Anheuser -Busch now offering sorghum beer.)

Celiac Disease And Dementia

Dr. R.L. Kaplan, a Board Certified Neurologist, notes the connection between celiac disease and brain function:

Celiac disease affects about 1 in 133 people (reference: webmd). About 10% of these patients will develop nervous system involvement. Previously, not much has been published linking celiac disease to memory decline and dementia, so most neurologists and primary care doctors will have never made the connection. Recently, however, new research from the Mayo Clinic has come out describing many such cases. Patients affected were as young as 45 and as old as 79.

Kaplan goes on to note that the dementia "tends to clear quite rapidly" when gluten is removed from the diet and then gives this final advice:

...If you or a family member is developing brain decline, make sure your neurologist or primary care doctor has considered celiac disease as a potential diagnosis.

Link: Celiac Disease and Reversible Memory Loss � smartkit Brain Enhancement News.

Kasha Varnishkes

 

Gluten-Free By The Bay has an interesting recipe based on a buckwheat/pasta combination; as they stated "Mmm... nothing like some carb-on-carb action!"

Walnut Acres Responds To The "G" Word

It's always comforting to know that gluten isn't hiding somewhere in those "natural flavorings" on a label.

Below is the email response from Walnut Acres:

Dear M. Campbell,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding our Walnut Acres Product.  We strive to maintain the highest quality products and appreciate your patronage.

The Hain Celestial Group's labeling declares major allergens (peanuts, soybeans, milk, eggs, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, and wheat) and we follow the U.S. FDA's regulations. In addition, our labeling always declares gluten containing ingredients.   We recognize the serious nature of the allergen issue and we strive to minimize risk.

Both major and minor ingredients of all products, as well as all processing procedures and equipment, are closely scrutinized and all potential allergen issues as determined by the Hain Celestial Group are declared on our labeling.

We assure you, the consumer, that strict manufacturing processes and procedures are in place and that each manufacturing facility has active allergen control programs.

We do not have lists of products that are specifically considered to be gluten free. Reading the label is the best way to check for the presence of ingredients which contain gluten.  If gluten is an ingredient it is listed separately and not under "natural flavors" or "spices".   Consumer health and safety is our number one concern, and we do not want to provide information which may not be accurate in the future.

Thank you for your continued support of The Hain Celestial Group.  If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-434-4246, Monday through Friday from 7AM - 5PM Mountain Time.

Sincerely,

George
Consumer Relations Representative

Good Gluten-Free Pasta

While I've never been really big on pasta dishes, I love spaghetti, but haven't had any since I was diagnosed.

I'm happy to report that I got my spaghetti fix last night. I tried Ancient Harvest Quinoa Gluten-Free Linguine Pasta --it rocks! Great taste and texture. Just be sure to actually follow the directions on the package, particularly the "stirring constantly" part, because if you don't, you'll end up with a mass (albeit a tasty mass) of noodles.

You'll also need to set a timer--try 4 minutes at first--because it cooks in 4 to 6 minutes.

Evil Sprue reports that the regular spaghetti noodles are quite good too.    

Turkey Cutlets With Cilantro-Almond Sauce

Epicurious has a good-sounding recipe that is celiac friendly, TURKEY CUTLETS WITH CILANTRO-ALMOND SAUCE

Cook it on the grill or a grill pan and you're good to go.

Enzyme Could Help Celiacs Tolerate Gluten

Researches have found an enzyme that could help celiacs digest gluten.

...researchers at Stanford University say they've identified an enzyme called EP-B2 that successfully digested gluten in an acidic environment similar to that of a human stomach. The enzyme even broke down the elements of the protein associated with causing the inflammatory reactions in celiac patients.

When combined with another enzyme, PEP, they found that gluten was broken down and detoxified within 10 minutes.

"Our results suggest that recombinant EP-B2 should be effective as supportive therapy to help celiacs cope with the 'hidden' gluten in everyday life, and that a two-enzyme cocktail containing PEP and EP-B2 may even allow celiacs to resume a more normal diet in the future," concluded Khosla.

"Our results suggest that recombinant EP-B2 should be effective as supportive therapy to help celiacs cope with the 'hidden' gluten in everyday life, and that a two-enzyme cocktail containing PEP and EP-B2 may even allow celiacs to resume a more normal diet in the future," concluded Khosla.

Link: Enzyme Could Help Celiac Disease Patients Tolerate Gluten - Yahoo! News.

Kasha Tabbouli

Birkett Mills has some interesting gluten-free recipes that use buckwheat.

Tabbouli is something I really miss, so I may have to try their version; it replaces the bulger wheat with buckwheat kasha.

Gluten Free Recipes

Try these on for size:

Something in Season: Back-eyed Peas with Coconut Milk

Gluten-free goddess: Purple Cabbage & Sweet Potato Soup

Simply Recipes: Moroccan Chicken With Lemon & Olives