Wheatgrass

jccgf · 10-29-2006, 12:16 PM

Does anyone have any info on wheatgrass/ wheatgrass juice? I've been asked the question, and don't have the answer readily available to me. A quick google search tells me that many juicers are promoting it as gluten free, but is it? Does anyone have an authoritative source for this one?

Found it on the forbidden list on Celiac.com
http://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=185

Found it on the we don't know (so avoid) list here:
http://www.csaceliacs.org/gluten_grains.php

I expect most here would follow the rule when in doubt leave it out, but just wondering which way the "supportive evidence" leans.

Cara

KimS · 10-29-2006, 01:09 PM

I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

Too risky.

There are other 'green' drinks that are equally healthy and pose no risk.

IM (not-so-humble) O

rachelb · 10-29-2006, 03:10 PM

I wouldn't touch it either.

We got some free samples of Juice Plus and the Garden Blend contains barley bran and oat bran. Juice Plus assured me it was GF, even sent me a letter certifying it was GF. I still wouldn't let Colin take it. I suppose it could be GF, but not worth the risk, IMO.

Rachel

annelb · 10-29-2006, 04:25 PM

In theory, wheatgrass should be safe and not contain gluten as it is not supposed to contain any part of the grain. http://www.wheatgrass.com/faq/factsh...sfactsheet.php

I know I had one person ask about this - the company was very evasive when I called them. I was never satisfied that they actually tested for gluten.

I guess you could call and find out if any testing is done. See if you can get a straight answer.

Barley bran - they have to separate the outer hull from the grain. I would really be concerned about getting part of the grain in such a produce.
Anne

aklap · 10-29-2006, 08:35 PM

I was doing a little research on wheat & barley grass recently...

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu...tes/030405.cfm

Quote:

From: Cynthia Kupper RD CD
Executive Director, Gluten Intolerance Group, 206-246-6652; www.gluten.net:

Q: Is barely and wheat grass safe to use in a gluten-free diet? What about sprouts?

A: According to information from USDA research chemists, specializing in wheat gluten and cereal proteins and a statement from the American Association of Cereal Chemists, gluten is found only in the seed kernel (endosperm) and not in the stem and grass leaves. If the grass is cut from a growing plant and does not include the seed kernel, it should be safe for persons with gluten intolerance to use. Wheat and barley grass are promoted as having superior nutrients, however the nutrient composition of the grasses is not superior to eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, which would be overall more healthy and less expensive than using this supplement. Bottom line is that I would stay away from it at this time and eat more fruits and vegetables! My personal and professional choice is not to use these products. Instead, rely on a variety of gluten-free grains, fruits and vegetables for a nutrient-rich diet. Feel that you must include a grass in your diet; I would recommend alfalfa grass instead of the wheat or barley grass.

As for sprouted wheat or other gluten-containing grains. These are sometimes used in breads that claim to be gluten-free. In talking with many of these bread companies, they claim their breads have no gluten, but none can guarantee that the seed kernels are completely removed before the sprouts are used or that their products have been tested for gluten content. This presents an unacceptable risk for persons with gluten intolerance. GIG does not recommend these products on a gluten-free diet.

QUESTION: Can a celiac consume barley grass and or wheat grass?

http://www.clanthompson.com/exp_doct..._category_id=1

Statement from Kyo-Green about their product...

http://www.kyolic.com/html/products/greens/kyogreen.htm

Quote:

The Kyo-Green was sent to three independent laboratories for analysis. The analysis compound used for testing was gluten (measured in parts per million or ppm). Unfortunately, the laboratories utilized for these analyses cannot be disclosed as that information is proprietary. However, please be assured that the results for all the tests were None Detected. Also, as required by FDA regulations for labeling, the product is listed gluten free based on these independent laboratories test results and information provided from the suppliers.

I hope you find this information helpful to you. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time. Thank you and have a nice day.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Best of Health,
Jane Nguyen
Nutritionist, Research & Development

Yeah - I don't think I'd touch it either. It maybe GF - but it just sounds too gross for me

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