
Answer:
Although a gluten-free diet can resolve nutrient deficiencies in many people with celiac disease — a condition that results in damage to the lining of the small bowel that can lead to malabsorption — research has found that certain nutrient inadequacies may still persist among people with celiac disease, as well as those with gluten sensitivity, even after a gluten-free diet is initiated. The nutrient inadequacies are thought to be due to low nutrient intake rather than disease activity (Jivraj, Nutrition 2022).
Lower nutrient intake associated with a gluten-free diet may occur because processed and packaged gluten-free foods — particularly gluten-free flour alternatives — are not required to be fortified with folic acid, iron, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, which is otherwise mandatory in the U.S. and Canada for wheat flour. Consequently, packaged and processed gluten-free products tend to be less nutritious than gluten-containing equivalents: For example, a study in Canada found that, on average, gluten-free grain/cereal-based foods contained 55% less iron and 44% less folate than similar gluten-containing foods. Gluten-free pasta contained 63% less fiber than gluten-containing pasta (Jamieson, PeerJ 2018). Consequently, it is important to ensure that a gluten-free diet contains sufficient amounts of nutrients. Supplementation may be necessary for people following a gluten-free diet that relies heavily on processed and packaged foods.
Sign in as a member to learn what nutrients can be inadequate in a gluten-free diet and other safety concerns to consider when following a gluten-free diet. Nutrients discussed include B vitamins such as folate, vitamin B-12, niacin and thiamin, iron, vitamin D, and fiber. Also learn how much gluten may be in supplements or prescription or OTC pills, how to tell if a supplement or drug is gluten-free, and how to find gluten-free supplements on ConsumerLab.com.
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Dan2024
August 23, 2024I have celiac and have been taking B vitamins and B-12. Recently I tested myself and both folate and b-12 were above normal. I guess I’ll cut back to every other day.
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Lloyd20467
August 23, 2024General Mills Cheerios are a good source of dietary needs but gluten free especially when eaten with lactose free milk and fruit.
Although it claims to be gluten free, our testing found that Cheerios did contain some gluten ( https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/oat-based-cereals/oats/#whatclfound).
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Hilary20459
August 23, 2024Are those with GF diets showing B deficiencies eating whole foods or a processed diet? It seems like a huge omission to draw a conclusion without examining what the diet is comprised of (versus what one thing it’s not including.)
Excellent question! To provide further clarity, we have included additional information in the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-may-be-needed-when-following-a-gluten-free-diet/supplements-and-gluten-free-diet/#gluten-free-nutrient-deficient
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Marsha20458
August 23, 2024A gluten free diet doesn’t cause nutritional problems for those with gluten problems. Having gluten intolerance or celiac causes nutritional problems. It’s a condition/disease that causes damage to the intestinal/digestive system, thus causing malabsorption issues.
You are right that celiac disease can cause malabsorption issues and lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can be improved with a gluten-free diet among some people. However, even among people following a strict, gluten-free diet, nutrient deficiencies can still persist. We explain why in the following section of our article: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/supplements-that-may-be-needed-when-following-a-gluten-free-diet/supplements-and-gluten-free-diet/#gluten-free-nutrient-deficient
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James20456
August 23, 2024I would recommend anyone with celiac disease to monitor their vitamin B12 levels regularly with physician check ups. It can be low for some time without one knowing it, even on the gluten free diet, with bad consequences. It is easy to supplement to maintain it.
Kathleen20460
August 23, 2024Great idea - Thank you!
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Bonny20455
August 23, 2024"Therefore, people following a gluten-free diet based heavily on these grains may not get adequate folate."
I can't help but wonder, how did we get our folate before fortification?
From many other foods that are naturally high in folate (and don't contain gluten) that we list in the article.
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Deborah20450
August 23, 2024Enteropathy from a sensitivity - type reaction to gluten can impair absorption of iron, calcium, B12. Avoiding gluten entirely can increase absorption. Still recommending supplementation!
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