Gliadin allergy

What is gliadin?

Gluten consists of two groups of proteins, gliadins and glutenins. Gliadin is the part that makes dough stretchy. When the test measures IgE to gliadin, it shows whether the immune system reacts allergically to the gluten proteins specifically.

What does the result mean?

• IgE to gliadin points to a true wheat allergy. Gliadin is not found in grass pollen, so it is rarely a cross-reaction.
• IgE to wheat but not to gliadin may mean that you react to other proteins in wheat, or that the positive wheat result is due to grass pollen allergy.

Not a test for coeliac disease

In coeliac disease, the body forms other types of antibodies, including antibodies to transglutaminase and deamidated gliadin. IgE to gliadin is something completely different and shows allergy, not coeliac disease. A negative result therefore does not rule out coeliac disease.

Symptoms of wheat allergy

• Hives, itching and eczema
• Stomach problems
• Asthma and a runny nose
• A severe allergic reaction, sometimes triggered by exertion after the meal

How to get tested

Gliadin (allergen code f98) is included in our Wheat and gluten allergy and Wheat and gluten allergy Plus tests, together with wheat. The Plus test also includes omega-5-gliadin.

Frequently asked questions

Is gliadin found in rye and barley?

Rye and barley contain proteins that resemble gliadin, and people who are allergic to wheat can therefore sometimes also react to them. Oats contain less of these proteins.

Does IgE to gliadin mean that I have to eat gluten-free?

Not necessarily. A positive result shows sensitisation. How you should eat depends on the symptoms you get and is decided together with your doctor.