Intolerance to gluten is thought to affect around 1 in 100 people in the UK; this is known as coeliac disease. It can affect people of all ages although recently the majority of new diagnosis is in adults. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, and similar proteins found in barley, rye and oats. Gluten can damage the lining of the intestines on people with coeliac disease, which prevents the absorption of nutrients from our foods. This can lead to diarrhoea, bloating, nausea, and weight loss.
People with coeliac disease should avoid all gluten. However, wheat is a basic ingredient in many foods in the diet, so avoiding it can be quite difficult. Obvious sources include bread, pastry, biscuits and cakes. To replace these in the diet, special gluten free breads are available on prescription to those with coeliac disease.
Gluten is often a hidden ingredient where wheat flours are used in manufactured products as thickeners, for binding and coating. It is essential to read all ingredient lists carefully to check for wheat in prepared products.
Foods that naturally do not contain gluten:
Potatoes, rice, plain meat and fish, fruits, vegetables, salad, milk, butter, eggs, plain cheeses, yoghurt, cream, oils, nuts, seeds
Foods to avoid:
Bread, crackers, cakes, biscuits, battered and breaded products, pasta, pastry, pies, pizza
Foods that may contain gluten:
Sausages, burgers, gravy, sauces, dressings, relishes
Always read food labels on products to check for ingredients that contain gluten.
Coeliac UK have a gluten-free food & drink directory for manufactured products available from coeliac.org.uk
Coeliac UK
Suites A-D
Octagon Court
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP11 2HS
Brakes have a list of Brakes brand products that do not contain gluten. If you require this information, please email nutrition@brake.co.uk
