Gluteguard is a pill containing a caricain, an enzyme found in Papaya, that can help break down protein, including gluten and is now available to the consumer as a supplement.

Our Professional Advisory Council (PAC) has reviewed the literature on GluteGuard. So far there have only been two small studies, one in celiac disease¹ and one in dermatitis herpetiformis² that included 20 patients. The findings suggest there could be possible benefits in reducing symptoms related to accidental gluten exposure.

To date, there have been no larger more rigorous clinical trial studies examining the effectiveness of this product. It is important to know that often small studies of new treatments, even when looking promising, do not end up having proven positive benefits when larger trials studies are done.

Until we know more, Celiac Canada PAC can not recommend the use of this product. For individuals with celiac disease who choose to take Gluteguard, it is important to know that

• Taking Gluteguard is not intended to be a substitute for a strict gluten-free diet

• Taking Gluteguard does not guarantee that gluten contamination will be eliminated. Therefore, taking this product does not mean people with Celiac Disease can liberalize the gluten-free diet.
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