The Link Between Gluten and Schizophrenia

Fascinating article from the BBC on the link between gluten and schizophrenia.
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Researchers believe gluten-rich foods could help trigger schizophrenia in people with a genetic predisposition to the mental condition.

The protein is found in cereal grains which are used to make bread and pasta. Scientists at Inverness-based UHI have been studying the role of gluten in schizophrenia and diabetes and also links between the two illnesses.

The researchers said sufferers' bodies were unable to handle gluten resulting in damage to healthy tissue.

The article continues...

Prof Ian Megson, head of the UHI department of diabetes and cardiovascular science, said: "This research is at an early stage, but if the theory is correct and those at risk are identified very early in life, a simple change in diet might prevent these diseases developing in some individuals."

Dr Jun Wei, a senior researcher and reader in genetics, said an individual's inherited genes, together with factors from the environment in which they have lived, were now considered to be central to development of both schizophrenia and diabetes.

He added: "Gluten is one such environmental factor.

"More than 30% of schizophrenia sufferers have high levels of antibodies against wheat gluten in their body so a gluten-free diet might help to reduce the symptoms of this mental condition.
"We are also investigating if gluten acts as a trigger for schizophrenia in people who have a genetic predisposition to it."
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Click HERE to read the entire article on the BBC website
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