Getting Tested

Information About the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test

What is the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test?
What is the Test Recommended for?
How Much Does the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test Cost?
Treatment Options
Benefits of the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test
Order the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test

What is the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test?

Testing for urinary peptides (incompletely broken down pieces of protein) from gluten and casein is important because these peptides react with opiate receptors in the brain, thus mimicking the effects of opiate drugs like heroin and morphine. These compounds have been shown to react with areas of the brain such as the temporal lobes, which are involved in speech and auditory integration. One of the reasons for the incomplete digestion of these foods may be a deficiency of the enzymes that break down these small peptides. Many parents have reported significant improvements in their children with autism after eliminating gluten and casein from the diet.

Panel Includes:

Casomorphin peptide
Gliadorphin peptide

(See detailed listing.)

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What is the Test Recommended for?

AD(H)D	Chronic Fatigue Syndrome	Arthritis
AIDS	Colitis/Crohn's Disease	Fibromyalgia
Alzheimer's Disease	Depression	Multiple Sclerosis
Asperger Syndrome	Diarrhea/Constipation	Psychoses
Autism	Down's Syndrome	Schizophrenia and more

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How much does the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test Cost?

The test kit is free; please see our price list for current processing charges including courier charges (for US residents) and a full report, along with professional consultation concerning test results. Currently, we are unable to file insurance claims for the peptide test.

Other questions about cost are answered in our Testing FAQ and Insurance & Payment Information.

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Treatment Options

Restriction of gluten/casein from the diet.
Eating additional portions of meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Diet supplementation, primarily with enzymes that aid in digestion of these foods.

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Benefits of the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test

Certainty that these peptides are present before starting a gluten/casein free diet.
No blood draw is necessary to perform the test.
Requires a first morning urine sample only.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Gluten & Casein Peptide Test

How specific is The Great Plains Laboratory array for gliadorphin and casomorphin?

Extremely specific! This test evaluates the concentration of gliadorphin in the casomorphin test and vice versa.

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What approach do you reccomend to evaluation wheat and dairy sensitivity?

The best approach would seem to be measuring gliadorphin and casomorphin in the urine, but also testing blood for elevated IgG antibodies to wheat, rye, barley, oats, milk and related foods. However, some people who are negative for wheat and milk allergies may still have abnormal peptides in the urine due to defective digestion.

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Does insurance cover the cost of the test?

We can bill insurance for the food allergy test, but cannot bill insurance for the peptide test at this time since it is considered experimental. Thus, the test needs to be paid for by check, money order or credit card. However, we will provide you with a receipt to file with your insurance company, since a few insurers may reimburse for the peptide test. (Also see payment and insurance information.)

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