July 23, 2015
The idea of life without carbs like pasta, bread and beer is unthinkable for many people, but for those who are gluten-intolerant, it's a necessity in order to avoid sickness.
A Canadian scientist may have developed a pill, however, that could open up windows of time during which Celiacs and other gluten-sensitives are able to safely consume foods containing gluten, Grub Street reports.
A team of researchers at the University of Alberta, led by Hoon Sunwoo, have developed an antibody out of chicken yolks that would work to prevent the absorption of gliadin, the troublesome component of gluten that causes complications in the intestine.
"This supplement binds with gluten in the stomach and help to neutralize it," Sunwoo explains, "therefore providing defense to the small intestine, limiting the damage gliadin causes."
Clinical trials will begin in the next year, according to the report, and the drug may available for sale in Canada as an over-the-counter medicine within the next three years. Those usually affected by gluten-based foods would consume the pill immediately prior to a meal, opening up a one to two-hour window when they can eat whatever they want.
