American researchers have experimentally confirmed that kissing with partners who have previously eaten gluten-containing foods is safe for people with celiac disease. The results of the study were presented at the DDW 2025 Digestive Diseases Conference (Abstract Mo1242) and included in the event's press release.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a severe intolerance to the protein complex gluten, found in grains (wheat, rye, barley, and others). The primary treatment for this condition is a strict gluten-free diet. Some patients fear that an attack of the disease may develop after kissing a partner who has eaten food containing gluten. Although such cases have not been described in the medical literature, the issue remains unexplored from a scientific perspective, and doctors sometimes issue empirical recommendations to avoid such situations.
Anne Lee of Columbia University in New York City and her colleagues recruited 10 couples, one of whom had celiac disease. During one session of the study, the non-celiac partners ate 10 soda crackers, and five minutes later, the couple kissed for 10 seconds. In the second session, the non-celiac partners ate the same number of crackers, drank half a glass of water, and the couple kissed again for 10 seconds. After each kiss, the celiac partner's saliva was collected for gluten analysis.
Gluten was detected in the saliva of all partners with celiac disease in all sessions, even when the crackers were washed down with water (although the amount decreased). However, in all cases, the concentration of this protein was well below 20 parts per million—the level permitted in gluten-free foods and officially recognized as safe.
Therefore, the recommendation to refrain from kissing a partner who has ingested gluten is inappropriate, as the amounts transferred are insignificant and cannot trigger an attack. Even drinking small amounts of water can further reduce gluten levels.
Celiac disease is considered a purely congenital disorder, but researchers previously demonstrated in a mouse experiment that its development can be triggered by an otherwise nonpathogenic reovirus. Although a gluten-free diet is vital for people with celiac disease, from a scientific and medical perspective, it is useless and potentially harmful for healthy individuals.
