The Threshold for Safe Gluten Intake
While the typical Western diet consists of 10–20 grams of gluten per day, some people can get very sick by eating even a tiny amount of regular bread or other gluten-containing foods.
Studies over the years have conflicted with what they consider to be “safe” thresholds for gluten intake on a gluten-free diet. Some have suggested that 625 milligrams (mg) per day (roughly one-fifth a slice of bread) is perfectly fine, while others raise the red flag at anything over 10 mg per day (1/350th of a slice).
But it’s not just the amount of gluten that’s concerning. Researchers are starting to understand that the negative effects of gluten tend to be cumulative in people with celiac disease. Even when intake is as low as 50 mg per day (roughly 1/70th a slice of bread), the daily, low-level consumption of gluten was as much associated with intestinal erosion (villous atrophy) as a single, excessive event.
A study conducted at the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research found that people who consumed 50 mg of gluten per day developed villous atrophy after just 90 days. By contrast, those who consume either 10 mg or no gluten had no significant changes to their intestinal lining.
When 10 Milligrams a Day Is Still Too Much Gluten
Even in the best of circumstances, a “gluten-free” diet is rarely 100% without gluten. Gluten cross-contamination is common whether in kitchens or restaurants, and even the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows for some gluten in “gluten-free” products, specifically 20 parts per million gluten or less.
As a result, a person eating a typical, gluten-free diet will consume anywhere between 6 milligrams and 10 mg of gluten per day. While that would seem well within the safe zone, it may still be too much for those with extreme gluten intolerance.
As part of its own research, the FDA reported that intestinal damage for those with high gluten sensitivity started at only 0.4 mg of gluten per day. Moreover, symptoms of gluten intolerance could begin as low as 0.015 mg.
This suggests that people with this level of intolerance may need to take extreme measures to avoid any traces of gluten in their food and kitchens.
How to Figure Out the Right Amount of Gluten For You
Gluten intolerance can vary by the individual. At one end of that spectrum, you have people with the silent celiac disease who can eat almost anything and never get sick. At the other end, there are those who are extremely sensitive to the point where eating becomes more of a challenge than a pleasure.
Figuring out what’s right for you can be a process of trial and error. While it may take time for you and your healthcare provider to find the ideal threshold, your ability to avoid symptoms can prevent many of the longer-term complications of the disease, including the loss of bone mass, gallbladder problems, and pancreatic insufficiency.
So try to focus less on what you have to give up and more on what you stand to gain. With patience and diligence, you’ll eventually find a diet that allows you to enjoy both improved health and a better quality of life overall.
