Flushable Wipes - Like Cottonelle, Scott, Etc.

[G-FreeGirl]

I am new to Gluten-free; so far the diet is not helping, so now I'm trying to figure out if any products are causing my discomfort. Everyday I use those wonderful, flushable wipes when I go to the bathroom. Every brand I look at has Tocopheryl. Do you think it's possible this is giving me problems?!?

Thanks for your help!

[psawyer]

The Canadian Celiac Association lists tocopherol as a safe ingredient in foods. I don't know why a non-food product would be any different.

[GlutenFreeManna]

Even if these wipes did have gluten, I would hope that your are washing your hands well after going to the bathroom. That would wash off any residual gluten from the wipes. I'm super sensitive and I make sure all my shampoos and soaps are gluten free, but I would not worry about these unless products with wheat make your skin break out in an allergic-type reaction (which you would probably know about by now given the sensitive areas these wipes are used on ).

[G-FreeGirl]

Thank you for both replies! As far as the Tocopherol or Tocopheryl, I had read in Elizabeth Hasselbeck's book "The Gluten-Free Diet" that these items "could" indicate the prescense of gluten in a product. Since I haven't felt any better yet on the diet, I'm on a mission to find out the source of my discomfort!

I'm a fanatic about washing my hands after using the bathroom, I wasn't even thinking of it in that way....guess I was thinking of the other end!

Thanks again.

[psawyer]

Sadly, Elizabeth Hasselbeck's book, "The G-Free Diet," contains a lot of misinformation. This is just one example.

[jebby]

Tocopherol is a vitamin E derivative, it does not contain gluten.

[ravenwoodglass]

Tocopherol is a vitamin E derivative, it does not contain gluten.

But it can be derived from wheat germ oil and also soy.

I am going to suggest that you stop using the wipes for a month and see if it makes a difference. While gluten cannot pass through intact skin it can be absorbed by mucous membranes. If you were symptom free I would say don't worry about it but since you are still having issues IMHO dropping any suspect items, both injested and topical, and then seeing what happens when you add them back in is a good way to go.

[scarlett77]

I agree that Tocopheryl/ol and any product containing Vitamin E needs to be researched as it could be sourced from wheat. What I usually do is ask the manufacturer if their source is synthetic or natural. If natural, then ask if it comes from a wheat source.

I have found that most wipe products use synthetic sources for Vitamin E which is safe. Since I have 2 in diapers and I use wipes constantly I have had to check.

[G-FreeGirl]

Peter - I am disappointed to hear that Elizabeth Hasselbeck's book has misinformation. I also read "Living Gluten-Free for Dummies." I hope you'll tell me that it's a good book...I thought it was great!

ravenwoodlglass - I'm going to try your suggestion of staying off the wipes for a month to see if it makes a difference.

Thank you to everyone for all of your replies. I'm still learning!

[Roda]

Peter - I am disappointed to hear that Elizabeth Hasselbeck's book has misinformation. I also read "Living Gluten-Free for Dummies." I hope you'll tell me that it's a good book...I thought it was great!

Is it the one written by Dana Korn? I have read that also and found it very down to earth. I personally think it makes a good resource for others that aren't gluten free.

[G-FreeGirl]

Is it the one written by Dana Korn? I have read that also and found it very down to earth. I personally think it makes a good resource for others that aren't gluten free.

Yes, it's the one by Danna Korn (I believe her name has two n's). Thanks for the good news!