Nutritional Deficiencies

[tammy]

;)I am still unclear about the link between gluten sensitivity and nutritional deficiencies. Is it still necessary to take certain nutritional supplements even when on a gluten-free diet? Even when the stool is "normal?"

Thanks for your help.

[gf4life]

Once your intestines heal, and you are testing normal levels of calcium, iron, B-vitamins, etc. then it would be up to you if you want to continue using supplements. I think is a good idea for my family, since our gluten/dairy free diet is a bit lacking in some areas of vitamins and minerals. We are just too limited in certain things. So I make sure we get a good multi-vitamin+mineral, and additional calcium and magnesium. That is about it.

God bless,

Mariann

[celiacfreeman]

I think it depends on your bond density scan, I need to take 7 calcuim a day to

try to get my bone back in shape and I'm only 43. I have to spread them out to absorb them.

[lisabarella]

Check with your doctor even if you are on a gluten free diet and feel fine. I have been on a gluten free diet since July 18, 2003. My stomach feels fine, but I am anemic. I take 325 Mg of iron 3 times a day and it does not get absorbed. They conducted three tests, a fecal fat, xylose absoption, and albumin. All three were NOT normal. This means that I am malabosorbing. If you are malabsorbing, you loose vitamins and minerals. Also get a DEXA bone density scan. You might not be absorbing vitamin D and Calcium. A simple blood test can check the vitamin D. My villi are still flat, but my stomach feels fine, but ironically, I am malabosbing. So check. The tests are somewhat time consuming but osteroporis is worse.

Lisa

[celiac3270]

Hi,

I would recommend taking something, if only a multivitamin. I take a mulitvitamin, but also some calcium pill (my diet doesn't have enough calcium to begin with). In addition, my doctor (for celiac disease) prescribed a "folic acid" -- I think it's supposed to help to absorb nutrients, or something. It's up to you, but I'd recommend it -- it's a good and relatively easy way to take care of your body.

-celiac3270