For people with celiac disease, even trace gluten matters. Supplements can contain hidden gluten in fillers, coatings, or cross-contamination. Here's how to stay safe.
1Where Gluten Hides in Supplements
Potential gluten sources: - Wheat starch or wheat germ oil - Maltodextrin (usually corn-based but check) - Dextrin (may be wheat-derived) - Modified food starch (can be wheat) - Caramel color (rarely wheat) - "Natural flavors" (rarely gluten but possible)
Cross-contamination: - Manufactured on shared equipment - Facility also processes wheat - Imported products with less strict controls
2How to Find Gluten-Free Supplements
Look for certifications: - "Certified Gluten-Free" (<20ppm gluten) - NSF Gluten-Free certification - GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
Check labels: - "Contains: Wheat" must be declared - "May contain wheat" or "shared facility" warnings
Contact manufacturers: - Ask about testing protocols - Request certificate of analysis
Pro Tips
- Certified gluten-free is safer than "gluten-free" label alone
- Some brands test every batch; others don't
- "Wheat-free" doesn't mean gluten-free (barley, rye)
- Oat-based supplements may have gluten cross-contamination
3Supplements for Celiacs
Celiac disease often causes nutrient deficiencies that need supplementation:
Commonly needed: - Iron (malabsorption common) - Vitamin D (often deficient) - B12 (absorption issues) - Calcium - Zinc - Folate
Important: These supplements must be gluten-free. Ironic but true that the supplements you need most could contain the thing you're avoiding.
4Brands Known for Gluten-Free Products
Many reputable brands offer certified gluten-free lines:
- Thorne - Third-party tested, GF facility - Pure Encapsulations - Hypoallergenic focus - NOW Foods - Many GF certified products - Garden of Life - Certified gluten-free line - Klaire Labs - Designed for sensitive individuals
Always verify the specific product. Even GF brands may have some products that aren't certified.
The Bottom Line
Finding gluten-free supplements requires vigilance but is absolutely doable. Look for certified products, check for cross-contamination warnings, and when in doubt, contact the manufacturer. For celiacs, this isn't optional.