What is Gluten? | Celiac Disease Foundation (2024)

Oats are found in many gluten-free products, including:

  • Granola bars and granola
  • Cookies
  • Baked goods
  • Veggie burgers
  • Cereals

Historically there have been concerns about patients with celiac disease eating oats due to cross-contact with gluten and a possible immune response leading to intestinal damage. Although oats themselves do not contain gluten, they are often grown, processed, and transported alongside wheat, barley, and rye, which do. Additionally, some patients with celiac disease report experiencing symptoms similar to a gluten exposure even when eating gluten-free oats.

Despite these concerns, ongoing research continues to suggest that most individuals with celiac disease can tolerate moderate amounts of gluten-free oats without triggering adverse symptoms. And, although the protein in oats (avenin) is similar in structure to the gluten protein, several studies have indicated that pure, uncontaminated oats do not cause an immune response leading to intestinal damage in patients with celiac disease.

When introducing oats into a gluten-free diet, it’s important to pick products that bear a gluten-free label. That label ensures that the product meets the standards of the FDA Gluten-Free Labeling rule and contains less than 20ppm gluten.

There are two ways that oat manufacturers can produce safe gluten-free oats.

  1. Mechanically or optically sorted oats are sorted by a combination of machines and humans to remove errant gluten-containing grains.
  2. Purity Protocol oats are manufactured following a set of standards designed by the company to prevent the oats from coming into contact with gluten at all stages of the manufacturing process. It’s important to note that there is no standard definition for purity protocol and the standards vary by company.

Regardless of how the oats are produced, all gluten-free oat products must adhere to the FDA Gluten-Free Food Labeling rule and contain less than 20ppm gluten. A “certification” label is not required, as all products with a “gluten-free” label must adhere to the FDA rule.

Learn more about research on oats.

Read a practitioner’s guide to oats.

What is Gluten? | Celiac Disease Foundation (2024)

FAQs

What is Gluten? | Celiac Disease Foundation? ›

The Celiac Disease Foundation

Celiac Disease Foundation
About Celiac Disease Foundation

The Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing services and support to persons with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis (CD/DH) through programs of awareness, advocacy, and research.
http://rarediseases.org › celiac-disease-foundation
(CDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing services and support to persons with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis (CD/DH) through programs of awareness, advocacy, and research.

Is the Celiac Disease Foundation legitimate? ›

The Foundation is a recognized member of Independent Charities of America (ICA), a nonprofit association of America's best charities, and Health & Medical Research Charities of America (HMR), a nonprofit organization that pre-screens high quality national and international charities.

What is the disease caused by gluten? ›

Celiac disease is an illness caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response to the gluten protein in your small intestine.

Which foods have the most gluten? ›

Processed foods that often contain gluten
  • Beer, ale, porter, stout (usually contain barley)
  • Breads.
  • Bulgur wheat.
  • Cakes and pies.
  • Candies.
  • Cereals.
  • Communion wafers.
  • Cookies and crackers.

What are the first signs of being gluten intolerant? ›

Here are some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity:
  • "Brain fog." This is the most common characteristic of gluten sensitivity. ...
  • Headaches or migraines. ...
  • Dizziness.
  • Acne or rashes. ...
  • Joint pain or numbness. ...
  • Diarrhea, gas or constipation.
  • Distended stomach or bloating.
Apr 12, 2016

What are the 15 symptoms of celiac disease? ›

They may suffer from abdominal distention and pain, and/or other symptoms such as: iron-deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue, chronic migraine, peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, or pain in hands or feet), unexplained chronic hypertransaminasemia (elevated liver enzymes), reduced bone mass and bone fractures, and ...

Do doctors believe in celiac disease? ›

About 49.4% of the study physicians know that adult celiac disease is rare, but only 19.4% frequently recommend celiac disease serology to their patients.

What is mistaken for celiac disease? ›

Despite awareness efforts, celiac disease is often confused with other gluten-related disorders — like non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or a wheat allergy. Both seem similar to celiac disease, but are different conditions.

Do potatoes have gluten? ›

The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable.

What is gluten belly? ›

Gluten belly, also known as wheat belly, is a common phrase that refers to stomach swelling after eating gluten as a result of bloating. Along with bloating, one may also develop symptoms such as stomach pain, flatulence, or irregular bowel movements.

Are eggs high in gluten? ›

Real eggs, no matter their grade, size or color, are naturally gluten free. Whether the egg comes from a chicken, duck, or another bird doesn't make a difference. Even egg products like liquid egg whites are often gluten free, though it's a good idea to check the label to be sure.

What are the big 3 gluten products? ›

The Big 3: Wheat, Barley, Rye.

What food is surprisingly gluten-free? ›

Treats that are surprisingly gluten-free
  • Plain tortilla or potato chips: Keep in mind that seasoned chips may contain wheat starch.
  • Plain chocolate: Read ingredients as some chocolate bars contain wheat-based wafers.
  • Ice cream: Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are safe bets. ...
  • French fries: Potatoes are gluten free.
Apr 13, 2023

Does oatmeal have gluten? ›

Yes, pure, uncontaminated oats are gluten-free. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration considers oats a gluten-free grain under its gluten-free labeling regulations and only requires that packaged products with oats as an ingredient contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten overall.

Is peanut butter gluten-free? ›

In its natural form, both peanuts and peanut butter are gluten-free.

What does a gluten flare up feel like? ›

Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and gas are common reactions to gluten in people with celiac disease. Although it's not common, vomiting can occur, especially if you've ingested a large amount of gluten (think: a slice of pizza or a doughnut, as opposed to a few crumbs).

What is the best celiac charity? ›

The Celiac Disease Foundation, established in 1990, is a leading global patient advocacy organization committed to accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease.

What is the best website for celiac disease? ›

Celiac.com

This website provides resources and information for people on gluten-free diets due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance, wheat allergy or other health reasons.

Can I get money for having celiac disease? ›

Receiving Disability Benefits for Celiac Disease

In cases where it takes years to be diagnosed with celiac disease, an applicant may request benefits for the time that he was unable to work because of the disability.

What is the only proven treatment for celiac disease? ›

The only proven treatment for celiac disease is adherence to a strict, lifelong, gluten-free diet. However, complete dietary gluten avoidance is challenging and a substantial number of patients do not respond fully, clinically, or histologically, despite their best efforts.

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