<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> This is a retransmittal of a bounced message from: [log in to unmask] I am a recently diagnosed celiac sufferer, I have been flabbergasted to discover that Ireland has the one of the highest incidence of this ailment. I also understand that the Irish also suffer one of the highest incidences of colon cancer. Am I missing something but does is there a link... Have there been any studies done on this.. Four years ago my father died from intestinal cancer, he was also a celiac although never one who maintained a rigid GF diet. I find it curious to note that when he was first diagnosed in 1987 and supposedly succesfully operated upon that his doctors never informed his family that adherance to a GF diet might at the very least diminish the chance of a relapse. This happened in ireland where one would expect a certain amount of enlightment in these matters. It's a frightening legacy for an ex-pat Irishman living down-under. I have one other question, is guar gum the same item as xanthan gum? Thank You Liam Reply on the gums: Guar and xanthan gum function in the same way for baked goods. They add the glue that no-wheat flours require in order to prevent the crumbling nature of these flours. They can be interchanged in recipes. Guar is made from a plant and xanthan is man made. Some celiacs report a laxative effect from guar while others report a strong odor from xanthan. Michael Jones Living a wonderful, GF life in Orlando, FL