The Gluten exorphines are a group of opioid peptides which are formed during digestion of the gluten protein. They are usually broken down into amino acids by digestion enzymes, but in some individuals they are not. They are then accumulated in the body over time and can lead to a peptide poisoning. This is particularly often reported in patients with ADHD, autism and schizophrenia. Gluten exorphines mimick the effects of opiates and therefore influence the mind. This is partly the basis for the Gluten-free, casein-free diet. Withdrawal symptoms are reported in severe cases.
There are 3 known gluten exorphines with known structure:
Gluten exorphine A5
- Structure: H-Gly-Tyr-Tyr-Pro-Thr-OH
- Chemical formula: C29H37N5O9
- Molecular weight: 599.64 g/mol
Gluten exorphine B5
- Structure: H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Trp-Leu-OH
- Chemical formula: C30H38N6O7
- Molecular weight: 594.66 g/mol
Gluten exorphine C
- Structure: H-Tyr-Pro-Ile-Ser-Leu-OH
- Chemical formula: C29H45N5O8
- Molecular weight: 591.70 g/mol