Vitamins

[BelievinMiracles]

I just started the gluten-free diet not to long ago, but I was wondering what kinds of vitamin I should be on/looking for if I'm generally just on the gluten free diet. Thanks.

[darlindeb25]

I think every celiac should be on a good multiple vitamin and B12. Always make sure your vitamins are gluten free. There are several brands out there now that are gluten free. I stick with Nature Made Brand Vitamins, and Natrol brand. As for B12, you should always take a methylcobalamin sublingual type. The amount of B12 you get in a B Complex vitamin is not enough, and you honestly do not need to take a lot of B Complex, your body eliminates it daily. We do however, need more B12. When I first started taking B12, I took 1000 mcg. Always check for the gluten free status!!!

[RiceGuy]

The gluten-free diet itself doesn't leave your body deficient in any particular nutrients, but since Celiac does often mean digestive impairment, deficiencies of various nutrients are common. Supplements can be crucial, especially when healing. Some of the ones mentioned frequently on this board are vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, B-complex, iron, vitamin K, and zinc. Fatty acids like those found in flax and coconut oil are also commonly recommended.

Some nutrients can be taken without worry of overdose, such as B12, but others can be a problem if you get too much more than you need. Blood tests don't always give an accurate picture of which ones you should be taking, but since the level of overdose for most are far enough above the daily recommended levels, you can probably take the RDI of most without worrying too much. Certain ones can be a problem sooner than others, like niacin and iron for instance.