If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best gluten intolerance pills for celiac disease is, then we recommend BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian as the best one.
Do you feel as though your celiac disease dooms you to a life devoid of the pleasures of foods containing gluten?
Must you part with beer, bread, pasta, pizza, French fries and anything else that contains wheat, barley or rye?
Not if you find the best gluten intolerance pills for your condition.
Here are the top gluten intolerance pills we’ll be reviewing:
- Healthy Digestives Gluten Cutter Enzyme Formula
- Gluten Enzyme By MaryRuth’s
- GlutenEase by EnzyMedica
- Integrative Therapeutics – Gluten Manager
- BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian
What Is a Gluten Intolerance Pill?
When someone with the chronic, hereditary condition called celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system goes on red alert.
It attacks the small intestine’s lining, perceiving the gluten as an aggressor. Over time, the lining breaks down, causing excruciating gastrointestinal problems.
Celiac disease can also hinder nutrient absorption.
Gluten intolerance pills, also known as gluten-digesting pills or gluten-eating pills, may provide relief.
They contain an enzyme called DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) that breaks down and digests gluten’s protein sheaths.
This prevents gluten-containing foods you eat from entering the small intestine.
As a result, the immune system doesn’t go into attack mode when you eat these foods.
How to Choose the Best Gluten Intolerance Pills for Celiac Disease
There’s an avalanche of gluten intolerance products on the market. It can be overwhelming and confusing to figure out which one to buy if you have celiac disease.
The ingredients on the labels may seem cryptic, and they all, of course, say they’re the best.
They throw some scientific terms around, which are as incomprehensible as chants in ancient tongues.
There are some brand names that you recognize, but maybe ones you aren’t as familiar with would be the better choice.
There are pricey ones, and then there are less expensive ones and then there are much less expensive ones.
Should you get the more expensive ones?
Would the less expensive actually be the best gluten intolerance pills?
What in the world should you do?
Well, I’ve come to save the day! I’ve reviewed five products below, in hopes that I can give you some guidance regarding the best one to help you with your gluten intolerance.
As a celiac who has suffered, and I mean suffered, whenever I ate gluten, these pills are a ray of hope.
One of the products stands head and shoulders above the rest, and it has been a game changer for me.
It’s allowed me to experience the joy of eating pizza, bread and all of the foods I’ve been missing for so long.
It may do the same for you too.
What Are the Advantages/Benefits of Gluten Intolerance Pills?
The main advantage of taking the best gluten intolerance pills is that you can reclaim your lifestyle and health.
You’ll be able to eat the foods you like without living in the shadow of a possible attack. You can eat out without fearing an impending bathroom dash.
Pain will no longer incapacitate you publicly or privately.
And won’t it be nice to accept invitations to wedding receptions, holiday feasts and other gatherings, rather than concocting an excuse not to go?
The best gluten intolerance pills will rekindle your social life.
Another benefit of gluten intolerance pills is ease of use. Simply swallow with water, just like any other medication.
Pills are also portable, if you need to carry them when you’re on-the-go, and they are discreetly small and inconspicuous.
Gluten intolerance pills can simply be purchased over-the-counter, with no prescription necessary.
This means you also have the convenience of buying them from any online vendor.
Things to Look for in a Gluten Intolerance Pill
When you’re trying to find the best gluten intolerance pills for celiac disease, the label will provide crucial information about things to look for.
One of the most important ingredients should be the DPP-IV enzyme.
Some gluten intolerance pills don’t contain this crucial substance. Without it, the medication can’t do what it’s meant to do. You’ll only be taking a placebo.
It’s also dubious when a company has its very own “proprietary” enzyme for breaking down gluten.
One of the manufacturers describes their “proprietary” enzyme as a “clinically proven blend of proteolytic enzymes, extracts of Astragalus membraneceus and Panax notoginseng and trace minerals.”
I’m not a chemist, so what does this even mean?
It gets even trickier when the company says that its pills have been “clinically proven” to work or “studies have shown” that it’s the most amazing thing since the invention of the paper clip.
I rummaged around online and couldn’t find any studies to back up these claims for any of these products.
Next, make sure it doesn’t contain gluten. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised about how many intolerance pills include this ingredient.
I have no idea why. Some even include soy and other attack-triggering substances.
Also, steer clear if the label indicates that the product should not be used by people with celiac disease. This means it is made for people with less severe gastrointestinal ailments.
It’s important to scrutinize the package for this warning, because the product may tout that it can treat celiac gluten intolerance, while burying this contradictory information deep within the label’s other instructions.
What is the Best Way to Use This Product?
Although methods may vary from product to product, you should generally take the suggested amount five minutes before drinking or eating.
After that, you can indulge in one to two hours of gluten depravity.
Remember, though, that while gluten intolerance pills are therapeutic, they are not a cure. And if taken too often, some may lose their effectiveness.
Controversy Regarding Gluten Intolerance Pills
There is some skepticism about the effectiveness of gluten intolerance pills.
According to Judy Stefanski, a representative of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “The descriptions of some of the gluten-digesting products state that the ingredients act upon the carbohydrate component of gluten-containing grains,” she explains.
“But gluten is a protein, not a carbohydrate. So, the ingredients in a supplement may not target the actual source of discomfort.”
Others claim that the pills address the symptoms, rather than the cause of the illness.
The medication isn’t regulated by the Federal Drug Administration, so the consistency of results may be a coin toss.
Additionally, solely relying on a pill for such a serious condition, without an accompanying gluten-free diet, could be asking for trouble.
There is also concern that people will be lulled into a false sense of security to eat whatever they want, without repercussions.
They may recklessly eat that oh-so-tempting pizza or swig that mouth-watering beer after trustingly taking a scientifically unproven medication.
The idea that they’re taking a pill that is supposedly a “free pass” could make them less careful about abstaining from products containing gluten.
Precautions for Using Gluten Intolerance Pills for Celiac Disease
The precautions and guidelines for using gluten intolerance pills are similar to those for most over-the-counter treatments.
First, be aware that your body is unique, so your individual results may differ from those of others.
These pills are for once-in-a while indulging, or as a quick fix if you’ve accidentally eaten gluten. They’re not for everyday use.
Next, they’re not recommended for children under 12 years old or seniors over 65. Don’t take them if you are pregnant or nursing.
Consult your physician prior to use if you’re taking prescription medication or if you have a pre-existing condition.
Actually, contact your physician before taking any medication!
Closely read the medication’s label to make sure it says words to the effect of, “Contains no ingredient made from a gluten-containing grain (wheat, barley, or rye).”
The Top Gluten Intolerance Pills Reviewed
In my reviews below, I’ll help separate the wheat from the chaff (pun intended) to determine the best gluten intolerance pills for celiac disease.
Healthy Digestives Gluten Cutter Enzyme Formula
Healthy Digestives Gluten Cutter Enzyme Formula is the cheapest and most affordable gluten intolerance pill on our list and features a propriety blend, the GCX50™ Gluten Blend.
It’s a very accessible gluten intolerance supplement that makes it easier to break down gluten for those who don’t want to give up gluten altogether.
However, compared to the other gluten digestion pills on this list, it doesn’t pack as quite the punch.
Pros
- Breaks down gluten and allows you to eat “normal” food.
- Gluten Cutter can be effectively taken before a meal for maximum benefit.
- Very affordably priced.
- If you accidentally consume gluten, Gluten Cutter reduces the length and severity of your flare-up.
- 100 percent natural.
- Improves immune system.
- Doesn’t contain any substances that present a “known health risk.”
Cons
- Gluten Cutter has a licorice/peppermint taste, so it may not be for you if you dislike those flavors.
- Inconsistent effectiveness.
- Not endorsed by the Federal Drug Administration or celiac experts.
- The label says, “If you have celiac disease, use only under your physician’s supervision.” Tread very lightly if you’re considering using a product with this warning.
Gluten Enzyme By MaryRuth’s
Gluten Enzyme by MaryRuth’s protease enzyme blend with DPP-IV activity is highly effective in promoting optimal gluten and casein digestion.
This gluten intolerance pill comes in an easy to take gluten enzyme capsules that results in a faster, more efficient digestion.
We like how this gluten supplement is GMP-certified, and keto friendly, while also being reasonably priced.
Pros
- Moderately priced
- Little, easily ingestible pills for those who have trouble swallowing medication.
- Organic, vegan
- Supports thorough digestion of gluten hidden in cross-contaminated or processed foods.
Cons
- Erratic effectiveness. Gluten Enzyme sometimes relieves symptoms but sometimes just reduces their severity.
- Not evaluated be Federal Drug Administration.
- Gluten Enzyme lacks DPP-IV, the main ingredient needed to combat gluten intolerance.
GlutenEase by EnzyMedica
GlutenEase by EnzyMedica has a specialized blend of digestive enzymes that help break down foods containing gluten and casein.
For the skeptics, this gluten supplement is back by extensive research and science
It’s definitely cost effective, but one of things I didn’t like about this brand was that they weren’t as forthcoming about their formula as some of the other brands on our top list.
If you’re on a budget but still want bloating, gas, and constipation relief due to your gluten intolerance, this can be a great supplement to go with.
Pros
- Moderately priced.
- Vegan, kosher, non-GMO capsules.
- Helps reduce cross-contamination.
- Reduces discomfort in less than 30 minutes.
- Contains DPP-IV.
Cons
- Can have side effects comparable to a gluten-induced attack (vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, headache).
- It foists an off-putting upsell that it works better when combined with EnzyMedica’s Digest or Digest Gold. Not only is it annoying that they tried to push another one of their products on me, but to me, it implied that the GlutenEase isn’t very effective on its own.
- Contains the warning, “Not intended to treat celiac disease.”
Integrative Therapeutics – Gluten Manager
Integrative Therapeutics – Gluten Manager is made for those who are currently on a gluten-free diet. As a support to that diet, this gluten intolerance pill has a proprietary, dual mechanism-of-action enzyme formula that hydrolyzes gluten at both the middle and end of the gluten molecule
What that means for you is that even if you digest some gluten by accident, or want to have a cheat day, it will be broken down so that it can be better digested.
If you eat out occasionally, and are afraid of cross-contamination, this can be a great gluten supplement to carry around with you just in case.
Pros
- Contains the all-important DPP-IV enzyme.
- Vegan-friendly.
Cons
- Very pricey.
BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian
BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian is synergized with 4 proteases to break down various types of proteins inside of wheat and 3 types of amylase to break down carbohydrates.
In addition, it is a blend of eight plant-based proteolytic Enzymes that includes Peptidase DPP-IV, as well as four enzymes that break down starches and sugars.
One of the great things about the gluten supplement is that 100%, unconditional money-back guarantee that lasts for a full year.
Pros
- Contains the crucial DPP-IV enzyme.
- There are no warnings that celiacs can’t use it.
- Formulated in a contaminant-free facility.
- Is non-GMO.
- Suitable for vegetarians.
Cons
- Pricey (but worth it).
- Only available online.
Related: Check out our full review of BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian
Final Thoughts
I’m going to go with my gut (pun intended) and declare BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian the best gluten intolerance pills in this challenge.
This is mainly because, unlike the others, it carries no warning that celiacs can’t use it. This is a biggie.
BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian is also my favorite because it contains the crucial DPP-IV enzyme, whose appearance was inconsistent in the competitors’ products.
It will help you enjoy the foods you love again, without risking the nasty reactions you would normally suffer from eating gluten.
The package also specifically states that BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian is manufactured in a contaminant-free facility. That’s very important for peace of mind.
Although it is on the pricey side, I can confidently say that the relief Gluten Guardian provides is worth the extra cash.
Personally, BiOptimizers Gluten Guardian has provided me with a quality of life that I was profoundly lacking when I had to suffer every time I dared to eat my favorite foods.
Try it, and get ready to make reservations at your favorite restaurant!
