Gluten facts for kids
Gluten /gloot-en/ is a composite of the proteins gliadin and glutenin. These proteins are found in the endosperms of some grass-like grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Gliadin and glutenin make up about 80% of the protein contained in wheat seed. As they are insoluble in water, they can be got by washing away the starch in the grain. Worldwide, gluten is an important source of food protein, both in foods prepared directly from grains with gluten in them, and as an additive to foods that are low in protein.
Gluten and Celiac Disease
Some people are very sensitive to glutens in their food. When they eat foods which contain gluten, these people may experience stomach cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhoea and rashes. This sensitivity is called coeliac disease (in North America, it is usually spelled "celiac disease").
Images for kids
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Examples of sources of gluten (clockwise from top): wheat as flour, spelt, barley, and rye as rolled flakes
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Bread produced from wheat grains contains gluten
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Gluten is often used in imitation meats (such as this mock duck) to provide supplemental protein and in vegetarian diets
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Medical animation still showing flattened intestinal villi.
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See also
In Spanish: Gluten para niños
