Recent studies have explored how a low-gluten diet may be beneficial for people who are not allergic to it. But the absence of gluten also requires something specific to induce health benefits. Here is what you need to know!

A research study led by professor Oluf Pedersen, of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, explored two similar diets which had the same number of calories and quality of nutrients, but the low-gluten diet had less fiber from wheat, rye, and barley.

“Overall, the study found that a low-gluten diet changed the participants’ gut microbiome, reduced their gastrointestinal discomfort, and resulted in a small weight loss. The researchers think the digestive changes, such as reduced bloating, are caused by the alterations in gut bacteria and function.”

The findings demonstrated that "in comparison with a high-gluten diet, a fiber-rich low-gluten diet produced changes in the structure and function of the intestinal ecosystem of bacteria, reduced hydrogen exhalation, and lead to improvement in self-reported bloating, along with a modest weight loss. But the health benefits found in this study seem to hinge more on the quality of the fiber in the diet, not merely the absence of gluten.”

The study concludes that more long-term research is needed to make dietary recommendations but suggests lower-gluten diets combined with high-quality dietary fibers may be beneficial for your gut microbiome!