How can a wheat allergy be diagnosed?

Because omega-5 gliadin cannot be extracted from whole wheat preparations, tests for wheat allergies are difficult and may not show anything. Omega-5 gliadin must be partially digested (similar to what happens in the intestines) before it becomes fully active.

The most reliable diagnostic test for any food allergy is an elimination diet challenge. This involves eating foods without wheat in them for a period of time to see whether your symptoms stop, and also if your symptoms start up again when you resume eating wheat-containing foods. Sticking to a diet without wheat can be difficult, as it is present in a lot of foods. Other cereal crops such as barley and rye may also need to be avoided. Any elimination diet challenges should be done under close supervision and with the consultation of a dietician or your doctor.

A blood test test for anti-gliadin antibodies might also be performed (but this is more common for patients with coeliac disease). Antibodies are small chemicals produced by the immune system that serve a variety or roles. Anti-gliadin antibodies react with gliadins and can cause problems. There are three main types of anti-gliadin antibodies: IgG and IgA (which are found in coeliac disease) and IgE (which is found in allergies). IgE reacts with omega-gliadins, whereas IgG and IgA react with alpha, beta, and gamma gliadins.

Wheat Allergies Treatment Guide Index:

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• What is a wheat allergy?
• What are the proteins in wheat that can cause allergies?
• What are the signs and symptoms of wheat alleriges?
• How can a wheat allergy be diagnosed?

• How can wheat allergy be managed?
• What is coeliac disease?
• What is gluten sensitive idiopathic neuropathy?

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