A Look at Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic disease which causes disturbance in the digestive system, specifically the small intestine. It is an autoimmune disorder that is primarily characterized by a reactive immune system response to ingested gluten. It is a hereditary disease. Roughly 1 in 10 people who have a first-degree relative with celiac disease will inherit the disorder.
In persons with celiac disease, ingested gluten can lead to intestinal damage that hinders proper nutrient absorption. An immune attack in response to gluten consists of an assault on the villi, which are small fingerlike projections in the small intestine that promote nutrient absorption. The damage from a celiac disease immune response is so significant that it can impair nutrient absorption for life. To avoid it, persons with celiac disease must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet for life. If not properly managed and treated when necessary, celiac disease could lead to compound health complications such as coronary artery disease, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.
As a form of chronic disease, celiac disease is incurable and is a serious condition that alters the lifestyle of someone who has it. There are no pharmaceutical treatments for celiac disease; the avoidance of gluten is necessary for managing the disease.
A wide variety of chronic diseases exists in America, with roughly 6 in 10 Americans having some form of chronic disease. The prevalence of celiac disease is relatively minor compared to other chronic diseases, with only 1 in 133 Americans besieged by celiac disease.
Supplements for Celiac Disease
Celiac disease places demands on a person’s dietary habits which frequently lead to micronutrient deficiencies. For this reason, strategic dietary supplementation is recommended for many people with celiac disease. This supplementation is especially helpful if a patient’s regular diet is consistently deficient in one or more vitamins and/or nutrients. Any supplement taken to help manage nutrition in response to celiac disease must be gluten-free.
A multivitamin that is gluten free is one of the foremost recommended supplements for someone with celiac disease. A gluten-free combination supplement of vitamin D, B vitamins, and other nutrients can be found on this website as “Formula 23.”
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in persons with celiac disease. Many foods do not contain vitamin D, except for those fortified with this vitamin, many of which contain gluten. For these reasons, vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended for someone with celiac disease. 1000IU of vitamin D3 in the brightest 6 months of the year and 2000IU of vitamin D3 in the darkest 6 months of the year, or more, is recommended.
Magnesium glycinate: Magnesium is a very important mineral for many bodily functions. A magnesium glycinate supplement is recommended for those with celiac disease. This specific form of magnesium is best because it is least likely to cause digestive upset.
Calcium is commonly recommended for those with celiac disease. It is another crucial mineral, especially for the health and longevity of bones. For celiac patients who are also lactose intolerant, a calcium supplement could be helpful since dairy is a primary source of calcium in the American diet. A supplement containing both calcium and magnesium could be ideal for some people with celiac disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, and many people don’t get enough of them. The immune disruptions caused by celiac disease are linked to inflammation. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement could potentially help mitigate such a response, if even the slightest bit of inflammation due to gluten consumption occurs in someone with celiac disease.
If you or someone in your family has celiac disease, then consider how these supplements could contribute to well-rounded nutrition, in addition to the strict dietary standards required for managing celiac disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any of these supplements.