Is this a silly q?

[ameliavictoria]

If I was to kiss someone who had been drinking beer (containing gluten) and I myself am a coeliac, would their saliva pass gluten into me therefore cause me to react? Only gluten free men for me, please!

[Activity2004]

Hi ameliavictoria,

No, it's not a silly question. It's an interesting one. I myself never thought about that as an idea. I'm sure, if a non-gluten free person ate something and kissed a gluten free eater, it may be a possibility of transfer of food to the other person. Have you asked a doctor about this issue?

[ameliavictoria in reply to Activity2004]

I haven't asked a doctor! It was just something that came up in conversation with some friends earlier today, never really thought about it before now!

[Activity2004 in reply to ameliavictoria]

I really think you need to see what a doctor would say about this one. Couldn't hurt to find out.

[glutenfreemumuk]

Yes I think it can be a problem if there is any trace of gluten left in the mouth or on the lips.

[Natcat_taylor]

The food industry has guidelines on 20 parts per million max. to be gluten free. Make sure they down a pint of water!

[nomorebeer]

For people who are on a GF diet because they have Coeliac Disease, or they are genuinely avoiding food that contains gluten because the gluten gives them a reaction, then yes, there would be a very small chance of cross contamination, but for people who are following a gluten free diet as a lifestyle choice, then it won't really make any difference.

Apparently, there are some lipsticks that contain gluten, although I think these are now being phased out, and its probably only the dodgy cheap cosmetics that you can buy in pound shops or market stalls etc.. where you can still buy them.

BTW, I am a coeliac who can be affected badly by just the smallest amount of gluten, but I haven't got rid of my wife who eats normal food and enjoys a beer, so surely if you find the right person and you are still worried about cross contamination, then I'm sure he would be sympathetic to your concerns and use a mouthwash, or clean his teeth before the kissing part starts, lol

[Patcy2468]

Hi patricia here am sorry but your right kissing someone whos been drinking beer you will definitely get a reaction with gluten in there kiss I no it happened to me take care & be safe patricia

[philaustin]

Funny, this was the subject of one of my first posts about six years ago! It raised a few laughs at the time but it is a serious question to ask. I think the possibility of getting 'glutened' would depend on several factors.

1) did the gluten eater drink a lot of fluid that would flush any food particles down?

2) Contact area: a little peck or the full Monty with tongues probing each others fillings?

3) the sensitivity to gluten of the coeliac.

4) did the gluten eater have a moustache full of breadcrumbs?

I think some clinical trials are required, but I would only volunteer to do it with non smokers who hadn't been eating garlic!

[Mabes in reply to philaustin]

2 & 4 had me laughing!

OP - I've wondered about this while issue too so I don't think it's a silly question. It makes sense that if cross contamination can occur in good preparation and manufacturing, then exposing oneself to gluten via kissing would surely be a risk. At the same time, how much gluten would get from a kiss into the lower digestive tract? Like Phil said, it probably depends on other factors. Very complicated!

[Hil101]

I banned my partner from drinking Barley Cup for this reason!