Patients who have celiac disease (a severe form of sensitivity to gluten) need to be very careful to avoid exposure. They might even be concerned about kissing someone who has just eaten gluten-containing foods. Should they be?

    A recent presentation at a medical conference described a study involving several patients with celiac disease, and their partners. The partners without celiac disease ate 10 crackers and provided a saliva samples after waiting 5 minutes, or after drinking four ounces of water without waiting. In both scenarios, their saliva contained gluten. The researchers reported the levels were not worrisome.

    To test whether gluten was transferred by kissing, first, the partner without celiac disease ate 10 crackers. Then, they waited 5 minutes, or they drank 4 ounces of water. Next, the couples were instructed to kiss with an open mouth for at least one minute, involving the tongue and saliva transfer. Saliva was then collected from the partner with celiac disease, and their urine was tested for gluten absorption.

    Patients with celiac disease reported no symptoms after kissing. Only one urine test was positive.

    In a press release, the lead researcher stated: “Patients with celiac disease can be more relaxed, knowing that the risk of gluten cross-contact through kissing a partner who has consumed gluten can be brought down to safe levels if food is followed by a small glass of water.”