Susan B. Dopart M.S., R.D.

What is the deal about gluten?  It is fairly common to hear people say they are gluten-free.  So what is the skinny on gluten-free eating?

Celiac disease is a true intolerance to gluten that someone genetically inherits.  If someone with Celiac disease consumes gluten it causes the villi or little hair-like projections that move food through the gut to atrophy.  This atrophy can cause bleeding, malabsorption of nutrients and other health complications.

Only 1 percent of the population has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  However, research shows that another 39% of the population may be susceptible to having Celiac or gluten intolerance.  To get an accurate diagnosis one needs a blood test and/or small bowel biopsy to determine if there is atrophy in the gut.

In addition, there is a small amount of research showing that gluten is associated with some forms of inflammation in the body for those with auto-immune diseases such as Diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis.  Other research may be leading towards gluten-free eating with some forms of autism.

A gluten free diet requires instruction by a Registered Dietitian.  Avoiding any kind of wheat product or foods with wheat or wheat components may not be enough.  If you suspect you may have a true gluten sensitivity speak to your doctor about having a blood test before you go on a gluten-free diet to see if there are actual gut atrophy.    You may or may not need to avoid gluten.  Why limit yourself unnecessarily?