Health Encyclopedia

Celiac disease - nutritional considerations

Definition

Celiac disease is an immune disorder passed down through families.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes oats. It may also be found in some medicines. When a person with celiac disease eats or drinks anything containing gluten, the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

Carefully following a gluten-free diet helps prevent symptoms of the disease.

Alternative Names

Gluten sensitive enteropathy - diet; Celiac sprue - diet

Food Sources

To follow a gluten-free diet means, you need to avoid all foods, drinks, and medicines made with gluten. This means not eating anything made with barley, rye, and wheat. All items made with all-purpose, white, or wheat flour are prohibited.

FOODS YOU CAN EAT

Beans
Cereals made without wheat or barley malt
Corn
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish (not breaded or made with regular gravies)
Milk-based items
Gluten-free oats
Potatoes
Rice
Gluten-free products such as crackers, pasta, and breads

Obvious sources of gluten include:

Breaded foods
Breads, bagels, croissants, and buns
Cakes, donuts, and pies
Cereals (most)
Crackers and many snacks bought at the store, such as potato chips and tortilla chips
Gravy
Pancakes and waffles
Pasta and pizza (other than gluten-free pasta and pizza crust)
Soups (most)
Stuffing

Less obvious foods that must be eliminated include:

Beer
Candies (some)
Cold cuts, hot dogs, salami or sausage
Communion breads
Croutons
Some marinades, sauces, soy, and teriyaki sauces
Salad dressings (some)
Self-basting turkey

There is a risk for cross-contamination. Items that are naturally gluten-free may become contaminated if they are made on the same production line, or moved together in the same place, as foods containing gluten.

Eating at restaurants, work, school, and social gatherings can be challenging. Call ahead and plan. Due to the widespread use of wheat and barley in foods, it is important to read labels before buying food or eating.

Despite its challenges, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is possible with education and planning.

Recommendations

Talk to a registered dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and the gluten-free diet to help you plan your diet.

You may also want to join a local support group. These groups can help people with celiac disease share practical advice on ingredients, baking, and ways to cope with this life-altering, lifelong disease.

Your health care provider might suggest you take a multivitamin and mineral or an individual nutrient supplement to correct or prevent a deficiency.

References

Lebwohi B, Green PHR. Celiac disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 107.

Rubio-Tapia A, Hill ID, Kelly CP, Calderwood AH, Murray JA; American College of Gastroenterology. ACG clinical guidelines: diagnosis and management of celiac disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108(5):656-677. PMID: 23609613 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23609613/.

Shand AG, Wilding JPH. Nutritional factors in disease. In: Ralston SH, Penman ID, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 19.

Troncone R, Auricchio R. Celiac disease. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 34.

Review Date:10/27/2021
Reviewed By:Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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