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Photo by Lucas Pezeta via Pexels<\/p>\n
By Stephen Beech<\/p>\n
Gluten can be passed on through kissing<\/a>, according to a new study.<\/p>\n But the risk is “low and easily reduced” \u2013 by drinking a glass of water before locking lips – for people with celiac disease, scientists say.<\/p>\n For the one in 100 people living with celiac disease, the fear of gluten exposure can extend beyond food – even into moments of intimacy.<\/p>\n But American researchers say the new study offers “reassuring” news.<\/p>\n Dr. Anne Lee<\/a>, of Columbia University, New York City, said: “While gluten can be transferred through kissing, the amount transferred is typically very small and can be reduced to safe levels with a simple step.”<\/p>\n She explained that for people with celiac disease, ingesting gluten – even without immediate symptoms – can cause intestinal damage, requiring lifelong adherence to a strict gluten\u00e2\u0080\u0091free diet.<\/p>\n Previous studies have shown that fear of accidental exposure can lead to anxiety, hypervigilance, and social avoidance, particularly around dating and relationships.<\/p>\n In the first study to quantify gluten exposure through kissing, researchers examined gluten transfer in 10 couples, each consisting of one partner with celiac disease and one without.<\/p>\n Photo by Nadin Sh via Pexels<\/p>\n By Talker<\/p>\n<\/p>\n