Gluten is the general name of specific proteins in certain grains. The glutens in wheat, rye and barley cause a toxic reaction in people with celiac disease preventing the absorption of essential nutrients.

The gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. This diet can be complex to follow so patients should be referred to a registered dietitian with expertise in celiac disease for education. The patient should also be encouraged to join the Canadian Celiac Association for ongoing support.

The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet for life. The diet should never be started before a small intestinal biopsy is positive for celiac disease.

For more information on the gluten-free diet visit www.celiac.ca and access the nutrition section.

For more information see: Cross Contamination