Are People Sensitive To Wheat Protein Also Sensitive To Oat, Rye, And Barley?

Posted on Sun, 14 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 14 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 2 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : If a person is sensitive to wheat protein are they sensitive to oat, rye, and barley? What's the difference between gluten and the protein itself? Gluten sensitivity is a hot topic.Some may not have celiac disease,however, they are sensitive.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please follow the information below

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There are 4 classes of wheat proteins: albumin, globulin, gluten and gliadin.

As you may see, gluten is a type of wheat protein (it's a protein itself). Wheat is rich in gluten, while rye and barley have-less content in gluten, while oat does not contain gluten at all.

When it comes to sensitivity (allergy), immune system is involved. Thus, you cannot eat that particular food anymore because next time would be fatal.

With regards to intolerance, the immune system is not involved, but some of enzymes involved in the digestion of that food are missing. Thus, you can eat only small amounts of that particular food.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Let me know if anything unclear!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (36 minutes later)

Yes, your answer was helpful, however, I also mentioned how could this impact arthritis. What is your understanding of food caused inflammation and arthritis? So it seems there is a food reactivity cell- mediated issue that is not a true allergy. I was told that both IgE and IgG issues could contribute to malabsorption resulting in vitamin deficiencies and contribute to fatigue. Unfortunately, in NYS, IgG tests cannot be ordered anymore.Waiting for response. Need further explanation of what Dr. was saying about food allergy vs. intolerance. Does the intolerance lead to inflammation that could make arthritis worse? I'm new to your offers, so perhaps I did not express my question correctly the first time . I asked for further clarification in a response to the Dr., however, when do I get a response? Do I need to wait 24 hrs? These last 2 questions are about how this program works. They are not a medical question.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pease follow the answer below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for following up. It is true that food reactivity is associated with autoimmune response.

This will cause aggravation or precipitation of cell-mediated inflammation, thus aggravating arthritis symptoms.

Moreover one of the best ways of treating arthritis in such a case is to avoid foods that you have reactivity from them.

Hope it answered to your queries.
Dr. Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar