An enzyme tablet could provide celiac disease patients an extra margin of security against unwittingly taking gluten, according to researchers who presented results of a study Sunday.

The enzyme, called AN-PEP, breaks down gluten in the stomach and also in the small intestine. Gluten that reaches the small intestine causes a reaction in those with celiac disease and other gluten-sensitive people.

Researchers had previously given AN-PEP through a feeding tube. The new study, presented at Digestive Disease Week in Chicago, found that a tablet with AN-PEP also inhibits gluten absorption.

The study was led by Julia König of the School of Medical Sciences at University of Örebro, Sweden. The abstract can be found at j.mp/glutablet, titled Su1137.


AN-PEP is sold in the United States as a dietary supplement developed by DSM, a Dutch company. DSM provided the enzyme, but didn’t otherwise support the study, the researchers say.

Researchers tested the enzyme tablet on 18 patients who reported they are gluten-sensitive, but who don’t have celiac disease. Along with a gluten-containing meal, the patients took a high or low dose of the enzyme, or a placebo.

“In the stomach, gluten levels in both the high- and low-dose groups were 85 percent lower than in the placebo group,” according to a press release on the study. “Once the food reached the duodenum, gluten levels were reduced by 81 percent in the high dose group and 87 percent in the low dose group versus placebo.”

The enzyme wasn’t tested on celiac disease patients because even a small amount of gluten can cause long-term damage, the press release stated. It’s not meant to allow patients to consume gluten-containing foods, but as an extra safety measure in circumstances where it’s not certain whether some gluten may be present.


The enzyme is derived from the mold Aspergillus niger. Its full name is aspergillus niger-derived prolyl endoprotease.

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