Gluten free and Casein free diets have been reported in previous research to improve gut symptoms in patients with sensitivity to gluten or cows』 milk. This cell-culture trial from researchers at Northeastern University, Boston and Ghent University, Belgium is the first to show similarities in the effect of gluten-derived peptide (gliadin-7) and A1 beta-casein derived peptide (BCM-7) on glutathione production; a major antioxidant for the body. When tested against a strong opioid (Morphine), gliadin-7 and BCM-7 both reduced glutathione production and the higher the dose, the greater the effect.

These results demonstrate clearly the potential of milk and wheat-derived peptides to exert antioxidant changes, contributing to inflammation in the gut. This may partly explain the benefits of gluten-free or casein-free diets in individuals who are sensitive to cows』 milk or gluten.