Q: My doctor wants me to do a gluten challenge to diagnose my celiac disease. What exactly is a gluten challenge?AnswerIf you are already on a gluten-free diet, but have not had the appropriate testing for celiac disease prior to starting the diet, your doctor may recommend a “gluten challenge”
Q: Is monosodium glutamate OK on the gluten-free diet?AnswerYes, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is considered safe on the gluten-free diet. MSG is a sodium salt of glutamic acid that is used as a flavor enhancer in foods. Various starches and sugars may be used as a starting material for MSG, but
Q: Is chewing gum safe for people with celiac disease?AnswerMost chewing gum should be OK. But always read labels carefully. Gum is typically made from a gum base (resin, wax, elastomer), sweetener, softeners, plasticizers, flavorings, coloring, and a polyol coating. In terms of labeling, chewing gum would fall under the
What do you think of scanner apps that tell you if a food is gluten free?AnswerI don’t really recommend relying solely on scanner apps as they may or may not have the most up-to-date information and also may give unclear answers, which can lead to either over-restricting foods or getting
My 17-year-old daughter was just diagnosed with celiac disease. It was the unexpected result of a panel she had done and we were shocked as there is no known celiac history in our family. She’s pretty asymptomatic. Is there a way to know how long she has had celiac disease?
There is a concern that if someone heats up something that contains gluten, that a person with celiac disease may no longer use the microwave thereafter even if the microwave is thoroughly cleaned out. Is this true?AnswerIt should be fine to use a shared microwave as long as you do
I have lactose intolerance and sensitivity to dairy as well as celiac disease. Does dairy affect the gut the same way gluten does?AnswerLactose intolerance and dairy sensitivity would not cause damage to the villi like gluten does. However, it may cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, bloating and pain.
Is maltitol safe on the gluten-free diet?AnswerYes, maltitol is safe on the gluten-free diet. It may sound suspect as it has the word “malt” in the name. However, maltitol is a type of sugar alcohol and is often used as a sweetener in foods, chewing gum and dental products. Maltitol
Q: I have heard that wheat flour in Europe is safer for those with celiac disease than in the United States. What are your thoughts?AnswerNo, this is a common myth floating around. However, wheat flour is not safe for people with celiac disease regardless of type or origin. It is
Q: You do not recommend drinking gluten-reduced beer if you have celiac disease, but Omission beer tests all of their batches for gluten, ensuring they are below 20 ppm. I drink Omission beer and enter their packaging date and batch # on their web site to get the gluten content
Q: Are agar, pectin and spices celiac safe ingredients? I recently saw these ingredients listed on a food item and wasn't sure if they were safe or not.AnswerAgar or agar-agar is made from the cell walls of red algae and is naturally gluten free. Pectin is also naturally gluten free.
Q: Is there a documented connection between migraine headaches and celiac disease?AnswerYes, there is evidence to support a connection between celiac disease with headaches and migraines. In a review study of headaches among people with celiac disease, the prevalence of headache was 26 percent in adults and 18.3 percent in
Q: Should items from the grocery store be washed or wiped down before putting them away at home? I have significant anxiety over gluten, and my concern is that any trace gluten from the store on bags, boxes, etc., may be ingested, especially when eating something directly with my hands,
Q: Is boba tea gluten free?AnswerYes, plain boba tea (also known as bubble tea, pearl milk tea, or tapioca milk tea) should be gluten free (GF). Boba is a tea drink originating from Taiwan, it usually consists of tea, milk and tapioca balls. The balls or “bubbles” contain tapioca starch
Q: What is gluten ataxia?AnswerGluten ataxia is a rare neurological gluten-related condition that triggers an autoimmune response that damages the brain when gluten is ingested. It can cause problems with walking and movement. Symptoms of ataxia: Difficulty with balance and coordination Unsteady gait Reduced fine motor skills Difficulty with speech
Q: Can you test negative for celiac disease and possibly be positive 2 years later? Also, can you have the gene for celiac disease and test negative?AnswerYes, you can develop celiac disease at any time during your lifetime if you have the compatible genes (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8). Up to 40%
Q: What do you think of at home gluten testing devices such as the Nima?AnswerAt this time, we do not endorse or recommend any home lateral flow devices such as the Nima Sensor or EZ Gluten for testing foods for gluten as they have shown to produce a high margin
Q: I saw a post from your Facebook page to always look at ingredients for any processed meats such as hotdogs, sausages, deli meats due to seasoning rubs with spices and marinades. What ingredients in these spices and marinades are we supposed to look out for and are considered not safe? A lot of
Q: Is it okay to share a nonstick pan between gluten and gluten-free foods as long as it is washed between uses? Also, is a separate air fryer necessary in a shared kitchen?AnswerAs long as the non-stick pans are cleaned with water, dish soap and a clean sponge/brush, then rinsed,
Q: Is locust bean/carob gum gluten free?AnswerYes, locust bean gum (also known as carob bean gum) is naturally gluten free. It is derived from the seeds from the carob tree. Locust bean gum is a food additive often used as a thickener and stabilizer in foods (1). One thing to
Q: When eating food labeled gluten free at below 20 ppm per serving ... Am I overloading on gluten by eating more than one serving?AnswerNo, it is very unlikely that you would overload on gluten by eating more than a serving. Foods that are labeled gluten free have to contain
Q: Is dextrin gluten free?AnswerDextrin is a carbohydrate that is hydrolyzed from starches. It may or may not be gluten free depending on the starting material. However, most dextrin is derived from corn in the United States. If the dextrin is derived from wheat, it has to be disclosed and
Q: My son was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. What meats are safe for him?AnswerAll plain meats such as beef, lamb, pork, and poultry are naturally gluten free. Always read labels, especially on any type of processed meat product such as sausages, hotdogs, meatballs or meats that comes pre-seasoned with
Q: I just bought a product that is labeled gluten-free, but it has glucose syrup listed saying it is from wheat. How can it be labeled gluten-free?AnswerGlucose syrup is considered safe even when derived from wheat, barley or rye. That is because the process used to produce glucose syrup renders
Q: I was recently diagnosed with celiac disease. How long does it roughly take for symptoms to improve?AnswerMost people start to notice improvement on the gluten-free diet within weeks to months. However, recovery and healing time varies greatly by individual. Actual healing of the intestine starts within days, but it
Q: I saw the recent question on pots/pans, etc. but I have a question about grills - safety related to grilling out if the grill previously had something with gluten cooked on it?AnswerGrilling and cookout season is finally in full swing, so this is a very timely question! When grilling,
Q: Is wine OK on the gluten-free diet?AnswerYes, wine should be ok on the gluten-free diet, wine is fermented from grapes and does not contain gluten. However, be careful with wine coolers as they often contain barley malt. For more information on alcoholic beverages check out our FAQ about alcohol
Q: Should gluten-free food be prepared and cooked in new or designated pans, plates and utensils?AnswerNo, there is no need to get new pots and pans, plates or utensils. In most cases, they can be used interchangeably as long as they are cleaned properly between use. The only pans that
Q: Is cheese safe for people with celiac disease?AnswerAll plain hard cheeses should be fine unless they have added ingredients like spices, seasoning, or starches, thickeners, and anti-caking agents. etc., all of which potentially could contain gluten. These added ingredients can often be found in processed cheeses, soft spreadable cheeses,
Q: Is whey gluten-free?AnswerYes, whey is a milk protein and is naturally gluten-free. Pure whey should be safe on the gluten-free diet. However, always read the label and confirm GF status on whey powders as other ingredients are often added. Another thing to note is that since whey is a
Q: If I don't feel sick after eating out, can I feel good about going to the place again or telling other people it's okay? Do I have to keep checking that things are gluten free each time I go?AnswerPart of having celiac disease is that we have to check
Q: How do I talk to my family and friends about my celiac disease and the need for a gluten-free diet?AnswerI would recommend starting out with simple information that is easy to read and digest. Try not to overwhelm them with lots of information all at once – we all
Q: Do all products need to be certified gluten free and made in a gluten free facility if you have celiac disease?AnswerNo, foods do not have to be certified gluten free (GF) or made in a dedicated GF facility to be safe for people with celiac disease. We recommend that
Q: Since being gluten free my LDL and total cholesterol have greatly increased. I used to eat a lot of whole wheat foods. What can I eat to increase my fiber intake and lower my cholesterol?AnswerNot getting enough fiber can be an issue on the gluten-free (GF) diet. Gluten-free baked
Q: Is it ok for people with celiac disease to cheat on the gluten-free diet sometimes? I usually do not have any symptoms after I do it.AnswerFollowing a strict gluten-free diet free of cross-contact is the only way to stay safe and healthy when you have celiac disease. This means
Q: We have 4 generations of celiacs in my family. My grandmother, mother and uncle all had severe osteoporosis due to the lack of absorption of calcium. I have been diagnosed with osteopenia and all the doctors say is keep taking Vitamin D and Calcium and do weight bearing exercises. I
Q: I have a reaction to xanthan gum which is found in many gluten-free breads. Does it contain gluten?AnswerIt is common to react to xanthan gum as well as guar gum. These types of gums are often present in gluten-free baked goods. Although they can cause symptoms similar to a
Q: Should I take a multivitamin if I am on a gluten-free diet?AnswerMany people on the gluten-free (GF) diet are recommended to take a GF multivitamin. You should ask your doctor or dietitian if they recommend you to take a multivitamin, or need any other vitamins or minerals based on
Q: My child has been struggling in school especially with being different and eating different foods around snack time. This was not a problem when he was younger. Do you have any advice?AnswerIt is very common that children struggle in social settings (as do adults), they do not like feeling
Q: I was just diagnosed with celiac disease. What resources do you have to learn more about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet?AnswerWe have some great resources available that will help you learn more about celiac disease and get you started on the gluten-free diet. For general information about celiac
Q: Are GMOs related to celiac disease? I have read that GMO-free flour from European countries may be safer for people with celiac disease. Do you have any thoughts on this?AnswerThe issue of GMOs is a controversial topic. Currently there is no recommendation that people with celiac disease should stay away from GMOs
Q: I am at dietitian who works for a food service company. Do you have education for staff members regarding celiac disease and/or gluten-free diets? It's being needed more and more in a lot of our communities, and proper education would be beneficial for staff members.AnswerThere are several resources that
Q: Do you have any updates on how the GF community feels about COVID vaccines for children?AnswerThe Society for the Study of Celiac Disease which is comprised of prominent celiac specialists and researchers released the following statement on COVID-19 vaccines in children: “With the news that the Food and Drug
Q: Do you have any dietary advice for a vegetarian with celiac disease?AnswerThe most important thing is to make sure you get all the nutrients you need. As long as the vegetarian diet is well planned and varied, it can meet nutritional needs as well as provide the benefit of
Q: I know that natural flavoring may contain gluten, but what about artificial flavoring and coloring. Are they gluten-free?AnswerArtificial flavorings and artificial colorings contain chemical compounds and are considered gluten free. However, note that some people may react to artificial flavors and/or colors for different reasons such as sensitivities and/or
Q: Do you have to have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen when you have celiac disease?AnswerNo, it is not required to have a completely gluten-free kitchen. Some have an all gluten-free kitchen, others have some gluten-containing items for other family members. However, it is definitely best if family meals that are eaten
Q: I find it hard around the holidays when having to go to other people’s houses to eat. Do you have any advice on how to stay safe eating at other people’s houses?AnswerGoing to eat at other people’s houses can definitely feel daunting at times. Planning ahead and having good
Q: How can I make Halloween safe for my child with celiac disease? Do you have a list of gluten-free Halloween candy?AnswerHalloween is supposed to be a fun and magical time, but when you have celiac disease or a child with celiac disease, Halloween candy can be a gluten minefield,
Q: I have a relative that has some type of gluten-allergy or celiac. My relative goes as far as reading the labels on everything and saying if he eats a drop of something with gluten in it, it will make him sick. Could such a small amount really make someone
Q: How do you prepare for pregnancy if you have celiac disease?AnswerThere are no official guidelines for pregnancy with celiac disease. However, it is important to follow-up with your celiac specialist/GI doctor if you are planning to become pregnant to make sure you have healed and recovered since diagnosis. A
Q: Do I need a 504 plan at school for my child with celiac disease? What types of accommodations are in a 504 plan?AnswerYes, it is highly recommended to have a 504 plan in place at school. The best way to protect and ensure that a student who requires a
Q: Are cast iron pans safe to use for people with celiac disease?AnswerWe do not recommend using non-dedicated cast iron pans since they are more difficult to clean. There is usually always a caked-on surface of residue on this type of cookware, which is hard to remove. If you want to continue to
Q: I am aware there is much debate about oats, would it be safe for a person with celiac disease to consume oat milk?AnswerThe issues with oats and whether they are safe for people with celiac disease can be confusing, and recommendations are in constant flux. I would recommend reading
Q: Is modified food starch gluten free?AnswerMost of the time modified food starch is made from corn in the United States, but not always…so read labels carefully. When it comes to foods, beverages and supplements which fall under The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then wheat has to be disclosed
Q: Is buckwheat gluten free?AnswerYes, pure buckwheat is naturally gluten free. It may sound suspicious to someone with a gluten-related condition, as it has the word “wheat” in it. However, buckwheat is not related to wheat. In fact, its grain-like seeds are not even considered a true grain, but a
Q: I searched and saw the post about Digiorno Pizza and wheat starch, so to clarify, since FDA declares it safe, we are good to eat it as celiac since the wheat starch was crafted to remove gluten? 2nd question... if wheat starch removes gluten is tested to under 20ppm,
Q: Are oats safe for people with celiac disease? I keep reading conflicting information.AnswerYes, the safety of oats is a confusing issue for anyone on a gluten-free diet since the recommendations are in constant flux. Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, oats have a very high risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing
Q: Are strawberries safe for people with celiac disease? I have heard that strawberries are grown with rye and are not safe to eat or be picked due to the dust from the grains.AnswerThere are two issues that frequently come up concerning strawberry picking and consumption that cause concern among
Q: What is dermatitis herpetiformis and is it related to celiac disease?AnswerDermatitis herpetiformis or DH is a condition associated with celiac disease that affects the skin. When someone with DH ingests gluten, an autoimmune response occurs in the skin causing intensely itchy blisters to form, usually on the elbows, knees,
Q: Do I have to use gluten-free skincare products?AnswerThis is the most frequently asked question that we get for “Ask the Dietitian.” In terms of skincare, it is optional but not required to use gluten-free skincare/cosmetics for those with celiac disease, as gluten cannot penetrate the skin. We recommend skincare products to be
Q: I will be 40 in a few weeks and just learned that my gas and bloating all these years was a result of celiac disease. I am worried that it is too late to improve my health.AnswerNo, it is definitely not too late! Many people get diagnosed with celiac
Q: If you have been gluten-free for 6 years after being diagnosed with celiac disease, can your blood work come back negative?AnswerYes, if you are on a gluten-free diet you ideally would want your blood work to come back at negative levels. Elevated antibodies indicate ongoing damage in the intestine;
Q: I have heard there is gluten in corn, is this true?AnswerCorn is naturally gluten free. The protein in corn is sometimes referred to as “corn gluten” but it is not harmful to those with celiac disease. However, I recommend to always read labels carefully, and to always make sure
Q: Is it ok to eat gluten-free pizza from a restaurant that bakes it in the same oven with regular pizza?AnswerIt is not safe to eat pizza that has been baked in the oven together with regular pizza if you have celiac disease. Unfortunately, restaurants seem to vary widely in
Q: How quickly after ingesting gluten can a reaction occur? I've always had the quick watery stool elimination reaction - however now I am very aware that it starts with pain in the lower left side of my abdomen followed my lots of belching, gas, bloating, cramping and even a
Q: I was diagnosed 2 years ago and I have been on a gluten-free diet since, however I still have GI symptoms?AnswerI am sorry you are still experiencing symptoms. You are definitely not alone. It is estimated that about 7-30% of people with celiac disease still have GI symptoms even though
Q. Do any of the COVID-19 vaccines contain gluten?AnswerThe three current COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen from Johnson & Johnson) do not contain gluten. Here are the ingredients per the FDA Fact Sheets as of March 2021: Pfizer-BioNTech: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium
Q: My mom has celiac disease and is 91, can she take the vaccination against Covid?AnswerFrom what we currently know, there does not seem to be an increased risk for adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccination for those with celiac disease. However, your mother should discuss with her doctor/healthcare provider if
Q: If a product does not state gluten free and the ingredients do not contain gluten that I can tell; is it ok to eat?AnswerIf something is not labeled GF watch out for these six words on the label: Wheat Rye Barley Malt Brewer's yeast Oats You do not need
Q: Do I have to worry about natural flavorings? Do they contain gluten?AnswerIf a food is labeled gluten-free you do not have to worry about natural flavorings. Foods that are labeled gluten-free have to adhere to the FDA limit of 20 parts per million of gluten, which is considered a
Q: My 2-year-old son was diagnosed with celiac disease recently, but is low on the growth chart, will he catch up on his growth?AnswerMany children with celiac disease have growth and weight issues upon diagnosis. Poor growth is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease in children (1).
Q: Can I get glutened by smelling foods while cooking it? I know that for flour with gluten it can happen, but for food that are not flour? Is there any risk of getting glutened by cooking regular food for others?AnswerNo worries! Just smelling the food will not cause gluten
Q. Is celiac disease linked with lactose intolerance? Can consuming dairy products trigger your lactose intolerance does it have a link between the two?AnswerYes, people with celiac disease frequently have lactose intolerance, especially upon diagnosis. In celiac disease, an autoimmune response is triggered when gluten is ingested and causes damage
Q: My son has celiac disease and will be incarcerated for some time. Will he be able to get gluten-free meals in prison?AnswerCeliac disease is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which is a federal law, and as such prisons and correctional facilities are required to
Q: I was recently diagnosed as being pre-diabetic and cannot find any reliable information about good celiac/diabetic foods. Can you help?AnswerIt can be a challenge when you have pre-diabetes/diabetes in addition to celiac disease, as gluten-free foods are generally higher in starches, sugars and carbohydrates and lower in fiber than
Q: Can I use the same oven for gluten-free foods as regular foods?AnswerYou do not need to use a dedicated gluten-free oven, however here are some tips to prevent cross-contact: Avoid cooking gluten-containing foods and gluten-free foods together in the oven - do it separately. Make sure to clean any
Q: Are hand sanitizers gluten-free? I am using a lot of hand sanitizer now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do I need to worry about this?AnswerFortunately, most hand sanitizers do not contain gluten. Hand sanitizers usually contain alcohol as the active ingredient in addition to water, fragrance, glycerin, and other skin
Q: How will the new labeling rule from FDA about fermented and hydrolyzed foods affect gluten-free labeling?AnswerIn August 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule to establish requirements in regard to gluten-free labeling for foods that are fermented, hydrolyzed or contain fermented or hydrolyzed ingredients. It
Q: Is celiac disease hereditary? I have a sibling and an adult child who have celiac diseaseAnswerYes, celiac disease is a genetic disease and hereditary, so if you have a relative with the disease the risk is higher to have it. Prevalence of celiac disease: 1st degree relative with celiac
Q: Is maltodextrin found in US pharmaceuticals considered safe for those with celiac disease? I am finding conflicting information.AnswerMaltodextrin is a starch hydrolysate that is almost always made from corn in the US, but can also be made from wheat, potato or rice. However, even if maltodextrin is derived from
Q: Could you clarify for me the different ways to test for celiac disease? If you have been GF for a while, would a biopsy then not indicate celiac disease? If you could educate me on the diagnostic tests for celiac disease AFTER you have been GF for a period
Q: My friend’s child, now over 2 and breastfeeding was just diagnosed with celiac disease. My friend would like to continue breastfeeding 2-3 times per day. Does she need to go gluten-free herself, does gluten transfer to breastmilk? AnswerAlthough gliadin has been shown to transfer to breast milk (gliadin is the
Q: Are canker sores a symptom of celiac disease?AnswerYes, canker sores/mouth ulcers also referred to as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) are common in people with celiac disease and can be a symptom of celiac disease. Canker sores are thought to be related to nutritional deficiencies (iron, folate and B12) and
Q: Is inhaling dust particles from wheat straw risky? I have a horse who has straw in his stable, which generated quite a lot of dust when mucking out. Will inhaling the dust particles from the straw cause a problem?AnswerWheat straw is usually a harvest byproduct that is left over
Q: What is the best gluten-free probiotic to take? I was diagnosed this last February and honestly don’t know how many live bacteria I should be using on a daily basis.AnswerA great way to get probiotics naturally is from cultured foods. Foods such as kefir and fermented vegetables are usually a
Q: My daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease last May. We removed all gluten from her diet, but would like to see a dietitian to help us. How can we find a dietitian that is knowledgeable about celiac disease?AnswerSeeing a dietitian skilled in celiac disease and the gluten-free diet is
Q: Hello! My mother has celiac disease and is strictly on a gluten-free diet, yet she still has some stomach issues. This week I started reading about different people and articles saying that coffee could be causing that, as some coffee's might be cross-contaminated with gluten. Is that true? I
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?AnswerThe severity of symptoms can vary widely
Q: Is tea gluten-free?AnswerMost 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
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
Q: Is couscous gluten-free?AnswerCouscous 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
Q: What are the neurological disorders that may accompany celiac disease?AnswerNeurological 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
Q: Is it safe to take an elderberry syrup supplement when you have celiac disease?AnswerElderberry 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
Q: Are schools required to provide GF meals during the COVID-19 pandemic?AnswerThe USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has enabled the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) across all 50 states, as well as DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands,
Q: Do you have any suggestions for me to get GF food while I am in the hospital?AnswerHospitals are required to provide you with gluten-free (GF) foods during your stay. Celiac disease (CD) is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and as such they are required
Q: Do I need to check that my supplements are gluten-free?AnswerYes, you should always check the gluten-free (GF) status of anything you are ingesting and that includes supplements. Gluten may be used as a binder or filler in supplements. Always make sure that the supplement is labeled GF. Supplements that
Q: What are the best foods to eat after being "glutened"?AnswerGetting exposed to gluten is no fun and can happen to any of us despite our best efforts. Unfortunately, there is not much one can do once gluten has accidentally been ingested, but here are some tips that might be
Q: Why do I weigh more since going gluten-free?AnswerA side-effect of going on the gluten-free (GF) diet is sometimes weight gain. It could be due to several things: You are absorbing more nutrients and calories due to the fact that your small intestine has healed - which is a good
Q: I recently became aware that my child's after school program used wheat straw in their outdoor play area. I doubt parents think of straw as a problem in the outdoor environment. I did not see much on the internet about this type of exposure. I'm guessing many parents would
Q: Is maltodextrin really gluten-free?AnswerMaltodextrin can sound scary if you are on a gluten-free diet, because it sounds like it would be made from barley malt. However, it does not contain barley. Maltodextrin is a type of partially hydrolyzed starch that is often used as a thickener in foods. It
Q: What is the best approach to take in regard to the gluten-free diet in considering a move to an assisted living facility? Many offer a meal plan and that can be a problem for a person with celiac disease. So many will respond "oh our chef is really great
Q: Is caraway the same as rye?AnswerCaraway/caraway seed is naturally gluten-free. It belongs to the same family as fennel and dill. Caraway seed is often used as a spice in rye bread, but is not related to rye and is safe for people with celiac disease. Just make sure to
Q: I'll be traveling abroad three times in the next year and while I'm excited, I feel worried about food availability while traveling. I really don't want to get sick while in a foreign country. Do you have any tips for traveling with celiac disease?AnswerTraveling while staying gluten-free (GF) can
Q: I've been experiencing increased anxiety around eating new foods and at new restaurants. Do you have any tips for being able to manage this? It is starting to affect my general happiness and my ability to participate in social situations.AnswerEating out can be very anxiety provoking when you have
Q: Do you have any lists or publications available that I can use to look up gluten-free status of foods?AnswerWe do not recommend relying on lists or publications for gluten-free status as manufacturers can change the ingredients in a product at any time and a list may not be updated
Q: How does serving beer in a gluten-free kitchen work? Would washing the beer glasses in our dishwasher contaminate the water with gluten thus dirtying the rest of our glasses/plates?AnswerWashing the glasses or other dishes in the dishwasher should be fine, just make sure to rinse all glasses/dishes and remove
Q: Can you tell me if autolyzed yeast extract contains gluten? I have also heard that Brewer’s yeast does. Thank you.AnswerAutolyzed yeast extract and yeast extract may contain gluten from barley. You should always check with the manufacturer about the gluten-free status of the product if it lists autolyzed yeast
Q: What are the current standard tests to diagnose celiac disease?AnswerCeliac disease (CD) is diagnosed by evaluating symptoms, reviewing family and medical history, conducting blood tests and a small intestinal endoscopy (biopsy). People with CD can have many different symptoms or no symptoms at all, up to 200 symptoms are
Q: Is "gluten allergy" the correct term to use in regards to having celiac disease? Thank you.AnswerCeliac disease (CD) is not an allergy but an autoimmune disease. People with CD have an autoimmune reaction involving IgA antibodies when gluten is ingested. An allergy is different and involves a different branch
Q: I just bought a product labeled gluten-free but it has this statement: "this product was manufactured in a plant that also processes wheat products.” I am very confused, is it still ok to eat?AnswerA lot of manufacturers put these advisory statements on their products and this can be very
Q: I've been reading a lot about plastic straws being swapped out for wheat/pasta/gluten-containing straws. Are most non-plastic straws made from a wheat ingredient? Being a celiac, is this one more thing we need to be aware of when dining out?AnswerAs we have become more aware of the negative environmental
Q: Do I need to check that my medication is gluten-free?AnswerYou should always check anything you are ingesting, and that includes medications. Gluten may be used as a binder or filler in medications, although this is rare according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).1 However, you should always check
Q: I just switched to a plant-based diet and I am having a hard time tolerating beans is this normal?AnswerIt is quite common to react to beans and high quantities of fiber when first introduced. It is best to introduce high fiber foods like beans gradually. Beans contain indigestible carbohydrates called
Q: Are soy products ok to eat when you have celiac disease?AnswerSoy is naturally gluten-free but some soy products contain other gluten-containing ingredients. Soy and soy products are fine to consume as long as they are gluten-free and providing you do not have a soy sensitivity or allergy. Soy is
Q: Is vinegar gluten-free?AnswerMost vinegars are gluten-free. Some examples of gluten-free vinegars include: Apple cider vinegar Distilled vinegar/grain vinegar/spirit vinegar/white vinegar Balsamic vinegar Wine vinegar/grape vinegar Note that plain distilled vinegars are gluten-free even when made from gluten-containing grains. Gluten is removed during the distillation process rendering the final product
Q: Can you address non celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)? How is it diagnosed? What are the symptoms of NCGS? What are possible complications with NCGS vs celiac disease? What is the treatment?AnswerNon-celiac gluten sensitivity, also called non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is a much-debated, poorly understood, and intensely researched condition in
Q: Why can I NOT tolerate GF oats? The reaction I have is not as severe like when I've inadvertently gotten into gluten in the past but I still react w/mild GI symptoms. Mainly gas and bloating. I REALLY miss eating oats and they are not considered an allergen so
Q: Are canned vegetables, fruits & juices gluten-free?AnswerMost plain canned vegetables, fruits and juices are safe. Canned fruits, veggies and juices sometimes have added ingredients and have been somewhat processed. Always read the ingredient label carefully. It can also be helpful to look any allergen statement. Fresh whole fruits and
Q: I’ve seen recipes with gluten-free vanilla and gluten-free baking powder and gluten-free confectionary sugar. Do these products or some brands contain gluten? Thanks.AnswerThe risk with some baking powders and confectionary sugars is that they may contain wheat starch or wheat flour. Make sure to always read all ingredients carefully.
Q: Hi! My partner is a chef with celiac disease. Is it ok if he follows a gluten-free diet but still tastes the food? (very small amount of food containing gluten) I just want to know how risky it is.AnswerFollowing a strict gluten-free diet free of cross-contact is the only
Q: I have celiac disease and follow the gluten-free diet. I also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Where can I find online support for following the Low FODMAP diet?AnswerFirst, a very brief review of the Low FODMAP Diet: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a co-existing disorder found in patients
Q: Are electric meat smokers safe for celiac patients? We have learned charcoal and propane may not be safe. Electric smoker uses and electric element similar to an electric oven with woods skips for the smoke taste.AnswerThe issue with charcoal is if you use briquettes, as they may contain wheat starch. If you
Q: Gluten-free food has too much salt and sugar, any suggestions?AnswerYes, it is true that gluten-free processed foods often have higher salt and sugar content than their regular counterparts. The food industry loves to add those in to increase the palatability of the food. Here are some things you can
Q: Are there dietary supplements to help with hair loss? I have been gluten-free for decades, but in the last 3 years or so am experiencing significant scalp hair loss.AnswerHair loss can be due to multiple causes, below are the most common ones: Sudden weight loss Decreased protein intake/protein malnutrition
Q: If someone [with celiac disease] has a positive (high) IGG result and a negative IGA result what does that mean?AnswerIn short, not much. To answer this question, let’s assume that the question is referring to the IgG antigliadin antibody (IgG-AGA) and the IgA antigliadin antibody (IgA-AGA) tests. These two
Q: I am so confused about food labeling. Is it ok to consume something that just says gluten free and therefore being under 20ppm? Are we supposed to buy just strictly certified gluten free products?AnswerFood labeling can definitely be confusing when it comes to determining if a food is gluten-free.
Q: I have celiac disease and I desperately need to gain weight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!AnswerIf you are struggling to gain weight, make sure you follow up with your gastroenterologist or doctor to monitor your celiac disease as weight loss/poor weight gain can be a sign of malabsorption and damage
Q: My daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease by biopsy over 20 years ago with symptoms that resolved on a gluten-free diet. She recently found out through one of the “ancestry-type” site’s testing that she doesn’t even have the gene for celiac disease. How can this be? She’s now trying
Q: I have a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease (CD). Do I need to see a gastroenterologist (GI doctor) for ongoing follow-up or can I just see my primary care provider regularly?AnswerIt is not clear from the research who should monitor the follow-up of patients with CD and how often.1
Q: What is silent celiac disease?AnswerIn 2013 a multidisciplinary task force of 16 physicians from seven countries published an article evaluating the numerous celiac disease (CD) related terms that exist in the literature. The team determined that “silent CD” is equivalent to “asymptomatic CD.” Use of the term silent CD