Trace Amounts Of Gluten Found In Some Probiotic Supplements

Researchers at Columbia University have found that over half of popular probiotics actually contain trace amounts of gluten, which is particularly troubling for those with digestive illnesses.

As probiotics are typically taken to promote gut health, an analysis of 22 top-selling probiotics showed that 55 percent contained detectable gluten, according to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.

"Many patients with celiac disease take dietary supplements, and probiotics are particularly popular," said lead study author Samantha Nazareth, a gastroenterologist at CUMC. "We have previously reported that celiac patients who use dietary supplements have more symptoms than non-users, so we decided to test the probiotics for gluten contamination."

For the study, researchers used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to look for gluten content in a number of popular probiotics. Findings revealed that many of the samples that tested positive for gluten contained less than 20 parts per million, or were considered "gluten free." However, four samples exceeded that amount.

Gluten, otherwise known as a protein found in grains like wheat or barely, can be particularly detrimental to those dealing with celiac disease, who must eliminate the protein from their diet in order to live without symptoms, including diarrhea, gas, bloating and in more severe cases, edema and/or bruising and bleeding. 

"We have been following reports in the scientific literature and news media on inaccurate labeling of nutritional supplements, and it appears that labels claiming a product is gluten-free are not to be trusted, at least when it comes to probiotics," added Peter Green, professor of medicine and director of the Celiac Disease Center. "This is a potential hazard for our patients, and we are concerned."

However, the study did not determine whether or not these levels of gluten found in the probiotics could trigger symptoms in patients with celiac disease.

More information regarding the findings will be presented at Digestive and Disease Week (DDW).