Ask Questions About Nutrition and Celiac Disease
Do you have unanswered general nutrition questions about the gluten-free diet and lifestyle?
Melinda Dennis MS, RDN, LDN
NCA Senior Nutrition Consultant
Katarina Mollo MEd, RDN, LDN
NCA Director of EducationOur dietitians are happy to answer your general nutrition questions about celiac disease. Please submit questions that are applicable to a general gluten-free audience. We regret that personal clinical questions (medical history, labs, supplements, etc.) cannot be addressed.
Time allowing, every effort will be made to answer all submitted questions. Some questions may be chosen to be anonymously included in the e-newsletter also posted on this website and/or the Gluten-Free Nation print magazine.
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Answers To Your Questions
Note: This information is provided by NCA and Melinda Dennis, NCA's Senior Consulting Dietitian or Katarina Mollo, MEd, RDN, LDN, NCA's Director of Education. This information is meant for educational purposes and is not intended to substitute for personalized medical advice or replace any medical advice provided directly to you by your health care provider. This information can be printed and used in consultation with your physician or dietitian. No liability is assumed by NCA, Ms. Dennis or her nutrition consulting service Delete the Wheat, LLC. or Katarina Mollo, MEd, RDN, LDN by providing this information.
How strict should I be if cross contamination (cross contact) doesn’t bother me?
Q: I only get very mild symptoms from ingesting gluten despite being clinically diagnosed with celiac disease. How strict should I be with my diet? Cross-contamination doesn’t usually bother me symptom-wise, but am I harming my body internally by not avoiding it more consciously? Answer The severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. However, people with celiac
Is tea gluten-free?
Q: Is tea gluten-free? Answer Most teas come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and are naturally gluten-free provided they do not contain any added flavorings or other ingredients. Always read the label on anything you are going to ingest, including beverages such as tea. Look for a gluten-free label (many tea companies label the gluten-free status of
Understanding gluten levels
Q: Hello, I work for a frozen pizza manufacturing company. We currently process gluten-free pizzas using crusts sourced from approved suppliers. We understand the gluten level limits specified under FDA (<20 ppm) and our current gluten-free certification (<10 ppm). As we look to expand our gluten-free production capabilities. Are there resources or studies available that show statistical data on gluten
Couscous
Q: Is couscous gluten-free? Answer Couscous is not gluten-free. Couscous is made from semolina which comes from durum wheat. It would not be safe for someone with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders. I use quinoa instead of couscous in recipes/salads etc. It works very well as a replacement and has the added benefit of being a very nutritious whole
Neurological disorders
Q: What are the neurological disorders that may accompany celiac disease? Answer Neurological disorders are common among people with celiac disease (CD). They can be present at time of diagnosis or can be a complication of celiac disease over time. Neurological disorders are likely due to nutrient deficiencies as a result of malabsorption and inflammation in celiac disease. Some neurological disorders may
Elderberry syrup
Q: Is it safe to take an elderberry syrup supplement when you have celiac disease? Answer Elderberry strengthens the immune system which could potentially be a problem for people with autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease. Always ask your doctor before using any supplements that stimulate the immune system because there is a risk that it might trigger your autoimmune