Celiac.com 04/03/2023 - People with celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet for their entire lives in order to stay healthy. But, gluten-free foods are traditionally high in salt, sugar and fat, among other things. So, what's the impact of a gluten-free diet on the nutritional levels of people with celiac disease?
A team of researchers recently looked at studies of adults and children with celiac disease who followed a gluten-free diet, to see if they were getting the proper nutrients in their diets.
The Research Team
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The research team included Monica Gessaroli, Leonardo Frazzoni, Usama Sikandar, Gabriele Bronzetti, Andrea Pession, Rocco Maurizio Zagari, Lorenzo Fuccio & Maria Luisa Forchielli. They are variously affiliated with theDepartment of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; and the Health Sciences and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
The Gluten-Free Diet Nutritional Study
The researchers searched through several databases for studies, conducted through October 2022, that looked at the nutrient intake of celiacs who followed a gluten-free diet. They used statistics to combine the results from different studies and see if there were any patterns.
They found thirty-eight studies covering a total of 2,114 patients. On average, people with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet consumed 1,995 calories per day. Almost half of these calories came from carbohydrates, 16% from proteins, and 36% from fats.
Teenagers consumed the most fats, while adults did not get enough dietary fiber. Calcium, magnesium, and iron intake was particularly low in teenagers, while vitamin D intake was low for all age groups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, people with celiac disease who follow a gluten-free diet may not get enough essential nutrients, and may consume too much fat. Since a gluten-free diet is a lifelong treatment, it is important to regularly check on people's nutrient intake to prevent other health problems, and to take supplements if needed.
That means that people with celiac disease should work with their doctors to create a plan for monitoring their nutrition over time.
Read more in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
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