The Gluten Free Diet
Strict adherence to a gluten free diet is the only known treatment for Celiac Disease. Despite this seemingly simple solution, strict adherence to the diet is a difficult task. Numerous hidden sources of gluten in our food system, cross-contamination as well as social and emotional challenges associated with dietary limitations all contribute to decreased rates of compliance. The following information discusses the gluten free diet in detail including the acceptability of oats, cost of gluten free foods and food labeling laws.
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The Gluten Free Diet
Oats
Food Labelling Laws
Medical Expense Claim
Food Enrichment
Helpful Patient Resources
- Go Gluten Free
A brochure developed by the CCA which briefly introduces the gluten-free diet, including gluten-containing foods, hidden sources of gluten, and tips on reading labels.
- Going Gluten Free: A Primer for Clinicians (from the
Gasteroenterology series)
This article introduces the complexities of the GF diet and addresses specific nutritional considerations that may affect a person with CD, including food intolerances, vitamin and mineral supplementation, fiber intake, and gastrointestinal complaints.
- Gluten Free Diet Guidelines for Families
Information to help with the initial phase of adopting a gluten free diet. Includes information about eating away from home, meal ideas and example shopping lists. Recommended by developers for use in conjunction with counselling from a physician and dietitian.
- The GF Diet: Update for Health Professionals (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
This article reviews the specifics of the diet, including recommendations regarding the use of pure, uncontaminated oats. [Note: in this article, brewer’s yeast is incorrectly identified as GF. This was an error: baker’s yeast is GF, brewer’s yeast is not GF.]
- Whole Grains and the GF Diet (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
Information related to gluten free whole grains and how they can be used to improve the nutrient profile and fiber content of a gluten free diet.
- Gluten Free Dining Out: Is it Safe? (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
Helpful hints for dining out to help your patient stay healthy and safe. Includes a guide to restaurant menu terms which may indicate the presence of gluten and important questions to ask employees.
- Medications and Celiac Disease (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
This article provides important information regarding gluten in medications including an extensive list of inactive medication ingredients and their derivations. Also provides advice regarding calling manufacturers and the role pharmacists can play in helping to ensure medications are gluten free.
- Kids and the Gluten Free Diet (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
This article provides a list of children’s books on the topic of Celiac Disease, information on empowering children, gluten free school lunch ideas and tips for dealing with the unique challenges faced by children with Celiac Disease.
- GF Diet: Can you afford it? (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
The cost of gluten free specialty foods often presents a great challenge to patients. This article provides practical information regarding affordable, naturally gluten free alternatives in the form of recipes and sample menu plans.
- Gluten Free Vegetarian (from the Practical Gastroenterology series)
Outlines potential nutrients of concern associated with a gluten free – vegetarian diet and common sources of gluten in popular vegetarian meat alternatives. Provides information to help patients plan a diet which is nutritionally balanced and satisfying.
- Cross-Contamination (Excerpt from CCA's New Member Kit)
Cross-contamination happens when gluten gets into gluten-free products. This article give suggestions on how to avoid cross-contamination of gluten free food at home and away from home.
The following are position statements from the CCA's Professional Advisory Board regarding the safety and consumption of oats for individuals with Celiac Disease
The following links provide information from Health Canada regarding the consumption of Oats for individuals with Celiac Disease.
Links to Canadian manufacturers of pure and uncontaminated oats.
Information from Health Canada regarding labeling legislation and guidance for industry
- Canadian Revenue Agency
Individuals diagnosed with Celiac Disease are eligible to claim the incremental cost of gluten free food as a medical expense.
- Pocket Dictionary
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The Pocket Dictionary of Ingredients has been updated and released as the 3rd edition. This pocket-sized dictionary is an easy to carry complete resource to help you navigate the ingredient list of food products and quickly decide about their acceptability in the gluten-free diet. Nearly 400 foods and food ingredients and over 300 food additives are listed in alphabetical order. Food ingredients are classified in three straightforward categories: ALLOWED, NOT ALLOWED and CHECK?.
- Gluten Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
Website by dietitian Shelley Case, RD, author of The Gluten-Free Diet – A Comprehensive Resource Guide. This website is for consumers and health professionals looking for accurate, practical information about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. Includes free resources, articles, handouts, newsletter, pod casts, media interviews and background information about the book and continuing education resource for dietitians.
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