The Diet and Health Helpline

About the Helpline

The Helpline is an important part of the support we provide for our Members and those people in the process of being diagnosed. Our expert team of dietitians and diet and health advisers offer information and support on a range of subjects. Our dietitians are registered with the Healthcare Professionals Council and are members of the British Dietetic Association.

The Helpline was started in 2003, and was manned by one Coeliac UK dietitian and freelance dietitians, three days a week. Today there are five Helpline staff and it is open five days a week. Since 2003, the Helpline has supported thousands of people with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. , their families and friends as well as healthcare and food industry professionals. In 2005 the Helpline received over 3,200 enquiries and in 2009 that number had risen to over 11,000 enquiries a year.

When is the Helpline open?

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am – 4pm
• Wednesday 11am – 4pm

Information and support we provide

• Diagnosis of coeliac disease – Including information on symptoms, how to get tested and what care to expect
• The gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet – We are the first stop for the newly diagnosed and can provide information regarding naturally glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free foods, gluten-free cooking and details on which foods are available on prescription
• Food queries and labelling – We answer queries on whether or not food products are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet. We provide information on the laws around food labelling and if you are unsure about the information you read on a food label, we can help you
• Diet advice – Our dietitians can provide general diet advice, such as how to eat healthily on a gluten-free diet and how to get enough calcium and iron on your gluten-free diet. They also provide information for people with diabetes and other dietary requirements such as lactose intoleranceWhen the body has a reaction to certain kinds of milk.
• Latest research – We aim to keep up-to-date with all the latest research on coeliac disease and associated conditions such as osteoporosisA condition where your bones lose bone mass and become brittle. and dermatitis herpetiformisUsually shortened to DH, this is a form of coeliac disease where the skin is affected with small blisters. to give you the best evidence based advice

Information for professionals

The Helpline also provides information to healthcare professionals and food industry professionals including dietitians, GP’s, pharmacists and food manufacturers. We have our own group of experts, the Health Advisory Council, who help us to keep up-to-date with health issues and answer more complex queries.