Gluten Exorphin
Opioid / Food-DerivedAlso known as: Gluten Exorphin A5, Gluten Exorphin B5, Gliadorphin
Food-Derived Opioid PeptidesResearch phase: PreclinicalRegulatory: Not approved. Food-derived bioactive peptide. Research interest only.
Mechanism
Gluten exorphins are mild opioid peptides released during digestion of wheat gluten. They have been hypothesized to contribute to the rewarding properties of wheat-containing foods.
Technical detail
Gluten exorphins (e.g., A5: Gly-Tyr-Tyr-Pro-Thr) are opioid peptides released from enzymatic digestion of wheat gliadins. They exhibit weak mu- and delta-opioid receptor binding. Their physiological relevance in intact gut barrier conditions is debated; proposed roles include modulation of GI motility and insulin secretion.