Coeliac Disease

People with Coeliac disease have a reaction to gluten, which is found in certain grains – particularly wheat, rye, and barley. Unlike the situation with diabetes and heart disease, where all whole grains help to prevent the disease as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, with Coeliac Disease it is important thatcertain specfic grains are avoided altogether, as even a small amount can cause a reaction.

Riceflakes, maize, millet flakes and buckwheat (not a true grain and NOT related in any way to wheat) are gluten free and are suitable for people with coeliac disease.

Oats are naturally gluten free, however can be contaminated by other grain before or during processing. Coeliac UK, in their directory, list certain products, containing oats, which conform to certain criteria and make the following recommendation:

It is always recommended that great care is taken when introducing oats to a gluten free diet. Discuss it with your health professional, first, introduce oats slowly and stick to the 50g per day recommended maximum.