A focus on... - February 2012 eXG

Does the gluten-free diet give you all the nutrients you need?

This month we focus on the nutritional balance of the glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free diet. We are often asked how well balanced the gluten-free diet is compared to a gluten-containing diet and if the gluten-free diet gives you all the nutrients you need. Here we focus on a recent study that looks at this issue.

How was the study carried out?

A group of 93 people with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. attending a National Health Service hospital clinic who had been following a gluten-free diet for at least six months completed a food diary keeping a record of what they had been eating and drinking over five days.

This information was then analysed and the results compared to those from a similar group of individuals who did not have coeliac disease.

Results

The study found that people on a gluten-free diet generally had a similar intake of energy and nutrients, such as fat and protein, compared to those who did not have coeliac disease. Those who took part had a slightly higher intake of carbohydrate from sugary snacks, and a lower intake of fibre.

The study also found that although the average intake of calcium was higher in those following a gluten-free diet, many people, particularly those aged over 55, did not manage to achieve the recommended intake of calcium for someone with coeliac disease. 

Summary

This study reveals that whilst people with coeliac disease are getting all the energy and carbohydrate they need, they may be getting a higher proportion of their carbohydrate from sugary snacks. This may reflect lack of availability of suitable foods out of the home. The study recommends that people with coeliac disease should be given advice to increase their intake of starchy carbohydrates such as peas, beans and lentils, starchy vegetables such as potatoes and alternative grains such as rice, corn and quinoa.

Although this was a relatively small study, the results highlight the importance of seeing a dietitianAn expert in food and nutrition. to review your diet and to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need. Ask your GPGeneral Practitioner, or local doctor to refer you if you would like to see a dietitian. 

Information on keeping healthy on your gluten-free diet including resources on fibre and wholegrains can be found on our website www.coeliac.org.uk/gluten-free-diet-lifestyle/keeping-healthy 

Reference:

Wild D et al (2010) Evidence of high sugar intake and low fibre and mineral intake in the gluten-free diet. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 32: 573 – 581