by Jan McBarron M.D, N.D. (Natural Remedy News)

Once thought rare, recent research suggests that as many as 1 in every 133 Americans has celiac disease. However, in the United States, only a small portion of people living with the disease are diagnosed.  Celiac is even less often diagnosed in children yet vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be problematic according to recent research. Children as well as adults with celiac disease often need to make dietary changes and include certain vitamins and minerals in order to reduce risk of weak bones (osteopenia) and holes in the bones (osteoporosis).

A recent study of 43 children, from 3 to 18 years of age, diagnosed with celiac disease, demonstrated that they had low bone density. Celiac disease is an intestinal problem where individuals are believed to be born lacking an enzyme necessary to digest gluten. The presence of gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains, leads to inflammation and irritation of the intestine. These individuals often suffer from gas, bloating, indigestion, as well as allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatment generally includes a gluten-free diet.

Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and possibly oat products. Many manufactured food products contain gluten in various forms under misleading names, like “modified food starch.  People with celiac disease must learn about all sources of gluten and read food labels thoroughly.

Without a digestive enzyme for gluten, vitamin and mineral deficiencies result due to the inability to absorb these nutrients. Therefore, people with celiac disease should take a good multivitamin and mineral. In addition to this, the study shows a strong need for those individuals to include a calcium supplement since they are at an increased risk for bone disease.

Dr. McBarron’s Natural Remedy For Celiac and Osteoporosis

Those with celiac will need to eat a gluten-free diet for the rest of your life.  Completely eliminate foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. Grains that are gluten-free when grown include buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth. However, they may be contaminated with gluten when they are processed, so check labels carefully to make sure they say “manufactured in a gluten-free facility.”

Even a small amount of gluten may cause damage to your intestine — even if it does not cause any symptoms. That’s why sticking to the diet is so important.

Anyone suffering from celiac or just wishing to protect their bones should consider the following supplements:

A multiple vitamin and mineral is extremely important for those suffering from celiac.  I usually recommend Vita Logic’s Daily Extra for those wishing a one-a-day supplement and Vitalogic’s Master Vite for those willing to take their supplements three times per day. More information and printable product brochures: Daily Extra and Master Vite

 Vita Logic Osteo Protect is one of the best calcium supplements on the market. It contains two types of calcium, which together are best absorbed and utilized by the body. In addition, it contains magnesium and other cofactors including natural vitamin D3, which are necessary for calcium metabolism, promoting strong bones and reversing osteoporosis. Osteo Protect by Vita Logic should be taken by both men and women alike, and has been shown in bone density tests to actively reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia. Printable brochure: OsteoProtect

Additional Information on Celiac Disease and Gluten:

Transition to Gluten Free Cooking

Are You Celiac Aware?

Celiac Disease on the Rise