Is Soy Lecithin Gluten Free? Effects of GMO Soybean Lecithin in Celiac Disease

Is soy lecithin gluten free? When used as a single ingredient, yesit is free of the gluten family of proteins.

However, soybean lecithin is included in numerous processed foods which may include other ingredients that do contain gluten.

Those with gluten intolerance (Celiac disease) are encouraged to check the labels of foods they purchase for gluten content. Under current food labeling laws, manufacturers are not required to list gluten as an ingredient.

“Gluten-Free” is a notice that manufacturers can state voluntarily, mainly to cater to those with intolerances.

Lecithin

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Memory Function

Metabolism

How It Works:

• Natural source of Phosphatidyl Choline
• Provides nervous system support
• Promotes memory function & brain cell health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 35 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Gluten?

Gluten is a name for a composite mixture of prolamins (storage proteins).

These proteins are found in grains including wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is also found in hybrid species of these grains – like triticale, kamut and spelt. [1]

The prolamins that comprise gluten are noted for viscoelastic properties; meaning they demonstrate both viscous (thick, sticky) and elastic (resilient) properties.

Because of this, gluten is often included as an additive to dough. It helps it to rise, retain its form and develop a crusty, chewy texture.

Is Soy Lecithin Gluten-Free?

Some people think that rice, soybean and corn also contain glutenous proteins. However, this is not the case. According to research from Italy, “True gluten is limited to certain members of the grass family.”. [1]

The botanical family of grasses (Poaceae/Gramineae) is comprised of more than 12,000 species.

Soybeans are not included in them. Soybeans are officially called Glycine max, and are from the Fabaceae plant family. This means that, according to the FDA, soy lecithin is gluten free.

Also according to the FDA, any food labeled gluten-free must be free of only wheat, rye, barley and their hybrid grains. These grains are responsible for causing inflammation and antibody production when eaten by those with Celiac disease.

What is Lecithin?

Lecithin is a name given to a set of compounds found naturally in numerous plants and animals. It is made up of phospholipids, glycolipids, triglycerides, glycerol, choline, inositol and phosphoric acid.

The plant chemicals that make up this compound are being studied for their possible effects for improving cardiovascular health, neuronal functioning and brain performance. [2]

Many people erroneously believe that soybean lecithin is unsafe. There is some confusion here.

The adverse health effects associated with soy lecithin supplementation are believed to be caused not by lecithin, but by the toxic constituents of GMO soybeans.

The United States leads world production of soybeans. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, almost 95% of all soy grown today is genetically modified. He recommends anyone using a soy lecithin supplement ensure that is non-GMO, fermented and organically sourced.

GMO soy lecithin capsules and powders may contribute to hormone imbalance, erectile dysfunction, infertility, gynecomastia and lacking sex drive. There may be numerous other currently unknown adverse effects that are found to be caused by GMO foods. [1]

Food Sources

Genetically modified soybean lecithin is included in numerous processed foods and other products. That is because soybeans are one of the less expensive crops to grow and harvest.

It is used largely as an emulsifier, and is commonly included in:

• Meal replacement shakes;
• Prescription medications;
• Bread, pasta and cereal;
• Soups and sauces;
• Bottled fruit drinks;
• Asthma inhalers;
• Chocolate bars;
• Meat analogs;
• Protein bars;
• Tea bags;

On product labels, GMO soy lecithin can be “disguised” as MSG (monosodium glutamate), TVP (textured vegetable protein), TSP (textured soy protein), TSF (textured soy flour) and monoglyceride. Other possible names include soya, soja, yuba and simply “lecithin”. [1]

Is Sunflower Lecithin Gluten Free?

Like soybeans, sunflower plants are not part of the grass family. Sunflower is called Helianthus and is a member of the same plant family as daisies and dandelions: Asteraceae. According to the FDA, sunflower cannot and does not contain gluten prolamins.

Organic, non-GMO sunflower is growing in popularity as a preferred source of lecithin. This is due to the concerns some people have about soybean lecithin.

However, as stated, lecithin is contained in numerous plants and animals. It is important to purchase and use only non-GMO lecithin, regardless of the plant it was extracted from.

Celiac Disease

Consumption of gluten prolamins triggers intestinal immune responses in those with Celiac disease. This can cause symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain and/or bloating.

It may also cause nutrient malabsorption, fatigue, weight loss, anemia and/or more serious long-term complications. [3]

Although there is no known cure for Celiac disease, eating a diet free of gluten proteins is often enough to avoid symptoms. Eating gluten-free foods also allows the digestive tract to heal and restore efficient functioning.

Side Effects

According to the Mayo Clinic, consumption of non-GMO soy lecithin should not be problematic for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. As soy does not contain gluten, it does not affect these conditions. [3]

Remember to carefully examine the labels of the foods you may purchase. Do not worry about soy ingredients for any reason concerning gluten intolerance. However, be mindful of the unknown dangers of consuming GMO products – like soybean-based lecithin and its derivatives.

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