One in 10 adopt a gluten-free lifestyle unnecessarily
An alarming number of people in Australia are adopting a gluten-free lifestyle in the mistaken belief that diets containing wheat are 'unhealthier', unwittingly putting themselves at risk of a nutritional deficiency
A recent Amcal survey indicated that more than one in 10 people have adopted a gluten-free lifestyle - almost 10 times the number of people who actually suffer from medically diagnosed coeliac disease.
Some of the key findings:
- 27 per cent of respondents admitted they had no idea what coeliac disease was.
- When questioned about the reasons behind voluntarily following a gluten-free lifestyle, 25 per cent claimed they were doing so to improve their overall health, while 13 per cent said it was to lose weight.
- 29 per cent of those who claimed to be coeliac or gluten sensitive had not been officially diagnosed by a health professional.
- 65 per cent were unaware their gluten-free diet may lack essential nutrients.
Australian GP, author and media presenter Dr Cindy Pan said that while it was possible to follow a healthy and sustainable gluten-free diet, it was important to seek medical advice from a GP or dietitian to ensure nutritional needs were met.
"Many people perceive gluten-free diets to be a healthier option," she said. "However, for those who don't have coeliac disease, this is simply not the case.
"Some gluten-free foods are higher in sugar and fats, lower in fibre and may lack the fortification of extra vitamins and minerals that a regular, gluten-containing diet may contain.
"This could result in an increased risk of vitamin deficiencies for those who strictly self-impose a gluten-free regimen without understanding how to ensure the nutrients they might be missing out on can be replaced or supplemented."
Reproduced from Retail Pharmacy eNewsletter 24/3/16
