Re: spelt vs wheat allergies

Michael Cote' (mcote@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu)
Mon, 29 Apr 1996 15:34:45 -0400

Carol,
The short answer to your question is it depends on the individual. They'll
have to test to find out their allergy to spelt. People with sensitivity to
certain cereal grains can test with varying degrees of sensitivity to
different cereals. There are two basic categories of tests used to diagnose
food allergies: 1) food challenge; and 2) laboratory blood test. Each has
its advantages and drawbacks.

The standard food-challenge method involves limiting and controling the diet
to determine the effects of food reactions. The downside of this method is
that it is time consuming and requires discipline.

The laboratory blood test used to measure food allergies is convenient and
relatively accurate. The downside is its expense, about $120.

Michael Cote'
Innovative Farmers of Ohio

>At 04:23 PM 4/24/96 -0800, Carol A. Miles wrote:
>A question for the list:
>
>If a person has allergies to wheat, can that person eat spelt (Triticum
>spelta)? Also, can spelt be used for flour products (i.e., bread)? Any
>suggestions or help would be appreciated.
>
> Carol A. Miles, Ph.D.
> Washington State University
> Extension Agricultural Systems
> 360 NW North Street
> Chehalis, WA 98532
> PHONE 360-740-1295 FAX 360-740-2792
> milesc@wsu.edu
>
>
>
>
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