Actually, we have a guy who worked here that cannot eat any sort of bread product. The last time he did he almost died, I believe he had a severe allergy to gluten.
I too know someone who has a severe allergy to gluten. It was discovered when he was an infant at Sick Kids Hospital. I have known this person before I had ever heard of gluten. I just hope no one decides to attack him if they hear him ask 'is this gluten free'.
I think the modern trend of not wanting gluten and wheat was started with the 'carb free' diets which I suppose are okay if you want to lose weight......
A
gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and a cross between wheat and rye called triticale.
A gluten-free diet is primarily used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications.
Initially, following a gluten-free diet may be frustrating. But with time, patience and creativity, you'll find there are many foods that you already eat that are gluten-free and you will find substitutes for gluten-containing foods that you can enjoy.
The gluten-free diet is a treatment for celiac disease. Some people who don't have celiac disease also may have symptoms when they eat gluten, however. This is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may benefit from a gluten-free diet. But people with celiac disease must be gluten-free to prevent symptoms and disease-related complications.
Gluten-free diet - Mayo Clinic