Learning Objective
Özkan, H., Brandolini, A., Schäfer-Pregl, R., & Salamini, F. (2005). AFLP analysis of a collection of tetraploid wheat indicates the origin of emmer and hard wheat domestication in southeast Turkey. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 22(10), 1997-2007. This study discusses the genetic diversity of einkorn wheat and provides information on the origin of wheat domestication. It also mentions that einkorn has a simpler genetic makeup compared to modern wheat varieties.
Estimated time: 15 mins.
2016 – iPhone video – 900M above sea level, meeting the farmers who grow the Einkorn we use.
Einkorn (Triticum monococcum) is an ancient wheat variety that has a simpler genetic makeup compared to modern wheat varieties. It contains fewer gluten proteins, which may make it easier to digest for some individuals.
The gliadin proteins in wheat are responsible for triggering an immune response in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The 33-mer gliadin peptide, found in alpha-gliadin, is particularly immunotoxic, as it triggers the strongest immune response in individuals with celiac disease.
Einkorn has a different composition of gliadin proteins than modern wheat. It lacks the highly immunotoxic 33-mer gliadin peptide found in alpha-gliadins of modern wheat varieties. This characteristic may make einkorn potentially less allergenic for some people who are sensitive to gluten. However, it is important to note that einkorn still contains gluten, so it is unsuitable for people with celiac disease.
Title: Protective effects of ID331 Triticum monococcum gliadin on in vitro models of the intestinal epithelium Authors: Roberta Lupi, et al. Journal: Food Chemistry Publication year: 2016
The study aims to explore the potential protective effects of ID331 Triticum monococcum (einkorn) gliadin on in vitro models of the intestinal epithelium. The researchers investigated the response of intestinal cells to einkorn gliadin compared to modern wheat gliadin. This study can potentially provide insights into the differences between einkorn and modern wheat gliadins and their effects on the intestinal epithelium, which could have implications for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- ID331 gliadin proteins from Triticum monococcum (einkorn) do not cause the same cell toxicity effects as gliadin from modern wheat (Triticum aestivum). This is due to the protective effect of ID331 ?-gliadin and its gastrointestinal resistant peptide ?(105-123).
- The specific sequence of ID331 ?-gliadin is not present in all T. monococcum genotypes, which means there could be variations in toxicity among different types of einkorn wheat.
- These findings suggest that T. monococcum might have a protective effect on the small intestine of people with celiac disease (CD). A diet based on T. monococcum could potentially delay or prevent the development of CD in individuals who are at risk, such as those who have first-degree relatives with celiac disease.
Learning Outcome
It is essential for individuals with gluten sensitivity or intolerance to consult a healthcare professional before introducing einkorn into their diet, as individual responses may vary.
