Sensitive to Wheat? Celiac Disease Facts

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Though many people have never heard of it, it’s estimated that 3 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease, or gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that makes it impossible to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and in products made with these grains. This leads to damage of the intestinal lining and an inability to absorb nutrients. Celiac runs in families, but some people don’t develop it until later in life.

Undiagnosed and left untreated, celiac disease can lead to many other medical problems. But with dietary control (avoiding gluten-containing foods) and supplements, symptoms and complications can be almost completely reversed.

Because the small intestine becomes inflamed and absorption of nutrients is compromised, almost everyone who has celiac needs to take supplements. If you have just been diagnosed, it’s important to get a complete nutritional evaluation to find out what nutrients are depleted.

Many celiac patients are unable to absorb adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D which puts them at risk for osteoporosis. A recent study found that celiac sufferers with dangerous homocysteine levels were helped by taking vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Homocysteine is a marker for heart disease.

At the very least, people with celiac disease should be taking the following supplements

• A good multivitamin
• Calcium: 1,200 mg a day
• Vitamin D: 1,000 – 2,000 IU a day
• Extra B vitamins: 50 mg of most with an additional 500 mcg of vitamin B12
• Probiotics: A supplement containing at least 5 billion CFU

In the future, there may be specific ways to treat the underlying causes of celiac disease, but for now, correct diagnosis, elimination of gluten from the diet and adequate nutritional supplementation are the main focus. If you suspect you may have celiac disease, ask your doctor about diagnostic tests you can have done to make sure. You may want to consult with a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or hematologist as well as a dietician. You can get more information about celiac disease from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Celiac disease can be managed so that you can avoid potentially dangerous complications, and so that you can lead a normal life. All of our multivitamins, as well as many of our other products, are completely gluten free and can be used with confidence by those with celiac disease. For questions about a specific product, please contact our Nutrition Experts by calling 800-627-9721 (M – F, 9am – 5pm EST) or by emailing nutritionist@stopagingnow.com.

Tags: celiac disease, food allergies, food sensitivities, gluten intolerance, wheat allergies