[savvysue]

Hi. I just got diagnosed with Celiac's about a month ago. I'm doing fine with eating so far. But I have read in two different books that natural and artificial flavoring could be a source of hidden gluten. Is that true? I've noticed that nearly everything i eat has either natural or artificial flavors in it, even my gluten free food. Should I avoid all natural and artificial flavoring? Will it hurt me if i don't? Also, it said artificial coloring was bad too. should i avoid all of that too?

[Lisa]

Welcome!

Artificial ingredients should not be a problem, because they would be of a chemical nature and not wheat, barley, rye and malt.

Natural flavor could and when not indicated, it's good to call the company. I do think it's a rare chance that natural flavor should contain gluten, but do check.

Wheat must always be listed, but barley, malt and rye do not.

[happygirl]

Unsafe ingredients: http://www.celiac.co...ents/Page1.html

Safe ingredients: http://www.celiac.co...ents/Page1.html

A list of companies that has a clear gluten policy. If you don't see "wheat, rye, barley, barley malt, oats" on the labels, its not there, or hidden in "flavors, starches, etc." http://www.glutenfre...lists/index.htm and http://glutenfreeins...ct_updates.html This makes shopping MUCH easier.

FDA foods are required to list wheat - it cannot be hidden.

Rule #1: Never eat anything without reading the label first.

Rule #2: Consistently check labels, even of your favorite products, as product formulations can change.

Rule #3: If you are unsure of an ingredient, or the company's policy on labeling, call the phone number on the back of the product or email the company.

Great info to get you started: http://www.gluten.net/publications.php

[grainfree]

Should I avoid all natural and artificial flavoring?

There is a new Whole Foods product - Carbonated Italian Mineral Water with natural lemon flavour - less in price than Perrier.

I poured out 250mL and had a few sips. shortly after, pain in left upper quadrant. Dizzy. Then sleepy. Now trouble concentrating and typing.

I checked Euro Fer iron supplement online, called a couple of pharmacies to see if the reaction was from hidden gluten in the supplement. Apparently no gluten, but I'm still checking. Could be the red colour.

Of course, natural lemon flavour can be extracted from the lemon from, what else, alcohol, which, of course, can be grain based. Googling natural lemon extract revealed the alcohol content in one product to be 85%.


I was really suspect of the natural and artificial designation, and now I am certain: I'm sticking to making most meals. Be well!

[lovegrov]

Flavors extracted by alcohol are extracted by distilled alcohol. Distilled alcohol is gluten-free.

richard

[grainfree]

lovegrov, on Oct 12 2009, 10:05 AM, said:

Flavors extracted by alcohol are extracted by distilled alcohol. Distilled alcohol is gluten-free.

richard

lovegrov/richard,
the flavor may have been extracted by distilled alcohol but it is still alcohol in water, gluten or not. Cross contamination, hidden ingredients, etc., either on a celiac forum or otherwise, impacts health. Would we be writing about that here otherwise? I'm sticking to making most meals. Be well.

[luvthelake21]

Hey Savvysue Just wanted to welcome you to the best forum, people on here have been a lifesaver for me my past three year journey on eating gluten-free. I read here almost every day and always learn something new.