The science behind
Little Helpers

And the hero ingredient Tolerase® G (AN-PEP in the science community)

The problem

Why a gluten-free diet isn't always enough

Even the strictest gluten-free diet can't eliminate all risk. Studies show people with coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity are still unintentionally exposed to 150–400 mg of gluten per day.¹

Cross-contact in restaurants 01

Cross-contact in restaurants

Shared cooking surfaces, fryers, and utensils in professional kitchens.

"Gluten-free" food traces 02

"Gluten-free" food traces

Labelled products that still contain residual gluten below declaration thresholds.

Social dining 03

Social dining

Shared meals, family dinners, and events where food control isn't possible.

Sauces & shared oil 04

Sauces & shared oil

Hidden gluten in dressings, marinades, or foods fried in shared oil.

Even though you might not make any mistakes, others will. And that means ongoing symptoms, inflammation, or anxiety around eating out.

How it works

A smarter way to break down gluten

AN-PEP (Tolerase® G) is a unique enzyme that works exactly where you need it most: in the acidic stomach, where other enzymes fail.

1

Survives stomach acid

AN-PEP remains fully active in the acidic conditions of the stomach, where common enzymes like DPP-IV lose their effectiveness.

2

Targets toxic fragments

Specifically breaks down immunogenic gluten peptides, including the alpha-gliadin 33-mer that triggers immune reactions.

3

Prevents gut exposure

Rapidly cuts gluten into harmless fragments before they reach the small intestine where they cause damage.

Peer-reviewed evidence

What the science says

In vitro
In vitro
99.9%

of gluten proteins degraded within minutes under stomach-like laboratory conditions.²

Unlike common digestive supplements, AN-PEP specifically destroys the immunogenic epitopes that drive coeliac reactions.

Digestion model
Digestion model
Near zero

gluten reached the duodenum in a validated gastrointestinal simulator when AN-PEP was added to meals.

T-cell tests confirmed remaining fragments no longer caused any immune reactions or damage.³

Human trial
Human trial
88%

reduction of gluten peptides in the stomach compared to placebo in a randomized crossover trial with real meals.⁴

A separate real-life trial in coeliac adults showed fewer severe symptoms and good tolerability.⁵

The difference

Why Little Helpers are different

Not all "gluten pills" are created equal. Independent testing shows that most commercial digestive blends fail to break down harmful gluten peptides under stomach conditions.

Survives stomach acid

Survives stomach acid

AN-PEP is the only enzyme consistently proven in peer-reviewed research to stay active in the acidic stomach.

Breaks down the right fragments

Breaks down the right fragments

Targets the specific immunogenic peptides that trigger coeliac reactions, not just "some" gluten.

Prevents intestinal exposure

Prevents intestinal exposure

Works before gluten reaches the small intestine, where it causes painful reactions and long-term damage.

Measurable results in humans

Measurable results in humans

Reduces gluten biomarkers in real clinical trials with actual meals, not just test-tube conditions.

This is why coeliac organisations openly confirm AN-PEP's effectiveness, while other blends rely on vague language like "supports gluten digestion."

How to use this information

For people with coeliac disease, Little Helpers are a safety net, not a free pass. Stick to your gluten-free diet and use your Helpers as an added safeguard for occasional, unavoidable gluten exposure when eating out, traveling, or going about your life.

Backed by science, Little Helpers take away some of the worry that comes with hidden gluten.

Try it yourself

Rooted in peer-reviewed research

References

  1. Syage J. et al. Dove Medical Press (2018) — Unintentional gluten exposure on a gluten-free diet: 150–400 mg/day.
  2. Janssen G. et al. PLOS ONE (2015) — AN-PEP degrades >99% of gluten in vitro; other available commercial blends ineffective.
  3. Mitea C. et al. Gut (2008) — TNO Intestinal Model: hardly any gluten reaches duodenum with AN-PEP use; T-cell activity blocked.
  4. König J. et al. Scientific Reports (2017) — Randomized Control Trial: ~86–88% reduction in stomach gluten peptides.
  5. Stefanolo JP. et al. World J Gastroenterol (2024) — Real-life RCT in coeliac adults: fewer severe symptoms on AN-PEP, good tolerability.