Consuming a family of proteins found in wheat can lead to a host of chronic health conditions, United European Gastroenterology scientists say in a study.
The research turns the focus away from gluten, typically linked to various digestive problems, to a family of proteins called amylase-trypsin inhibitors, or ATIs. According to scientists involved with the study, the proteins trigger inflammation associated with various health conditions including asthma, arthritis, and multiple-sclerosis.
“As well as contributing to the development of bowel-related inflammatory conditions, we believe that ATIs can promote inflammation of other immune-related chronic conditions outside of the bowel,” lead researcher Detlef Schuppan explained in a press release.