The Gluten-Free Diet: Managing Nutritional Deficiencies

Patients who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease often find that they have nutritional deficiencies, and what’s worse, gluten-free products are often low in B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fiber and aren’t fortified in these nutrients.

When Swedish researchers studied adult celiac patients who had been gluten-free for ten years, they found that half of them had vitamin deficiencies, including low levels of vitamin B-6 or folate, or both, and high levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart attacks, vascular disease, and strokes. Before the study, all the patients had biopsies to prove their intestines were in healthy condition, so these vitamin deficiencies could not be explained by malabsorption. Italian researchers have found similar deficiencies in gluten-free adolescents.

I recommend that at your annual check-up, you should ask your doctor whether your vitamin status needs to be measured and whether you should be taking folic acid and vitamin supplements.

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

From our home to yours, Tina Turbin
If you have any questions or suggestions just email me at Info (at) TinaTurbin (dot) com.

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My celiac story sparked a quest for gluten-free wellness and mindful living. Science and intentional habits unlocked a healthier me. I’m thrilled to share tips to help you thrive. Gluten-Free Help offers practical solutions and tasty recipes to optimize health through mindful choices. Read more About Tina Turbin.