In some good news for people with celiac disease, they can now kiss gluten eaters without worrying about triggering symptoms.
Columbia University researchers have found that drinking water before kissing can reduce the risk.
The researchers presented their study at the Digestive Disease Week 2025. It involved 10 couples, each of whom included one partner with coeliac disease and one without. In the study conducted over two separate days, researchers asked individuals without celiac disease to consume 10 gluten-containing crackers before kissing their partners, who have celiac disease, for at least one minute using their tongues.
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The kisses occurred either five minutes after eating or immediately after drinking 120ml of water
Saliva samples taken from the partners with celiac disease revealed that only 2 out of 20 kisses resulted in gluten levels exceeding the 20 parts per million (ppm) threshold deemed safe for “gluten-free” products. Importantly, neither of these cases followed water consumption, and just one led to a positive gluten urine test later that day. However, the saliva of gluten eaters consistently contained high gluten levels, even 30 minutes after eating or after drinking water, highlighting that precautions like rinsing or waiting may still be important.
“Patients with celiac disease can be more relaxed, knowing that the risk of gluten cross-contact through kissing a partner who has consumed gluten can be brought down to safe levels if food is followed by a small glass of water,” Anne Lee, PhD, assistant professor of nutritional medicine at Columbia University, said.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten—found in wheat, barley, and rye—causes the immune system to damage the small intestine. This can lead to digestive issues, fatigue, and poor nutrient absorption. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, as even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and harm.
