DDW

DDW 2025: What’s the risk of gluten transfer via kissing?

May 6, 2025

A study presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025 explored the potential for gluten transfer through kissing and its implications for individuals with celiac disease (CD). Researchers recruited 10 couples, each with one partner having CD. The non-celiac partner consumed 10 saltine crackers (590 mg of gluten) before kissing their partner for 10 seconds. Two scenarios were tested: waiting five minutes before kissing and drinking 4 ounces of water before kissing.

Results showed that gluten transfer was minimal in both scenarios. In 18 out of 20 kisses, gluten levels in the saliva of the celiac partner were <20 parts per million (ppm), the threshold considered safe by FDA gluten-free labeling standards. Drinking water before kissing significantly reduced gluten levels in saliva, with all samples <20 ppm in this scenario.

These findings provide evidence-based reassurance for patients with CD, indicating that the risk of gluten cross-contact through kissing is minimal and can be further reduced by drinking water beforehand.

Source:

(2025, May 5). Digestive Disease Week. To kiss or not to kiss: can gluten pass through a smooch? [Press release]. https://ddw.org/to-kiss-or-not-to-kiss-can-gluten-pass-through-a-smooch/