<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Susan <[log in to unmask]> asked:

>I know that cows and other animals are 'finished
>off' with grains. Just as gluten in liquor can
>affect us, can gluten in cows bring about symptoms
> of gluten intolerance?

This question has come up a few times in the past, and no one had a
definite answer.  Don Kasarda, the USDA expert, feels it highly unlikely,
as cows have a special digestive mechanism that breaks down proteins.  The
toxic peptide would have to survive intact in the intestines, then somehow
get deposited into the meat.  If anyone with a vet. background can
enlighten us on how this could possibly happen, please post to the list.

Reichelt has cited studies showing that some "gluten" ingested by nursing
mothers does enter breastmilk, but the amounts are extraordinarily small,
even by celiac standards.  Humans, of course, don't have two stomachs like
cows and presumably are less efficient in breaking down all of the protein.

Alcohol is a totally different story, as sometimes parts of the original
"mash" which contain barley or wheat are added to the distilled product,
which is theoretically gluten free.  This is done to enhance flavor.

** Happy New Year to all **

Bill Elkus
Los Angeles