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Pigmented Corn Varieties as Functional Ingredients for Gluten-Free Products
Francesca Colombo1, Chiara Di Lorenzo1, Katia Petroni2
1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Pigmented corn varieties offer higher antioxidant potential than yellow corn, potentially aiding celiac disease management by reducing oxidative stress. Further research is needed, but initial findings suggest safety for celiac patients.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gluten toxicity in celiac disease involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and duodenal injury, only partially mitigated by gluten-free diets.
- Pigmented corn, rich in phenolic compounds, presents a potential source of dietary antioxidants for gluten-free food innovation.
- Corn is a common gluten-free ingredient, but some celiac patients may experience inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of differently pigmented corn varieties.
- To evaluate the stability of anthocyanins in pigmented corn during simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
- To assess the safety of pigmented corn varieties for celiac patients using in vitro models.
Main Methods:
- Spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques were used for chemical characterization.
- Anthocyanin stability was assessed during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.
- In vitro safety was evaluated through cell agglutination tests and transepithelial electrical resistance measurements.
Main Results:
- Pigmented corn varieties exhibited significantly higher polyphenol content and antioxidant activity compared to common yellow varieties.
- Anthocyanins demonstrated stability during simulated gastrointestinal digestion.
- In vitro tests confirmed the safety of pigmented corn varieties for celiac patients, showing no adverse inflammatory responses.
Conclusions:
- Pigmented corn varieties are a promising source of natural antioxidants with potential benefits for celiac disease management.
- These varieties could play a role in mitigating intestinal oxidative stress in celiac individuals.
- Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm the therapeutic potential of pigmented corn in celiac disease.
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