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How to Find Gluten-Free Medicine and Supplements

By Lana Bandoim

Whether you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is important to find out about gluten in medications and supplements. Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not force manufacturers who make drugs or supplements to use gluten-free labeling. Currently, only food and beverages are required to declare gluten ingredients. This has created a lot of confusion and anxiety among people who cannot eat gluten. Consider these tips before filling a new prescription or buying a new vitamin.

FDA Rules and Drugs

The FDA monitors and oversees gluten-free labeling for food and beverages. However, it is not enforcing these rules for medications and supplements. This means that brands and manufacturers do not have to label their products as gluten-free or share details about gluten ingredients on the labels.

Although legislation has been introduced in the past to change these rules, it has not been successful. It is up to each consumer to verify the presence of gluten in his or her medications or supplements.  

Check Medications and Supplements

Gluten can be an inactive ingredient in some medications and supplements. First, read the labels to see if it is easy to identify gluten ingredients. Some manufacturers and brands have started to label products as gluten-free on their own. Second, consider calling or contacting the companies that make these products to verify if there is gluten. Third, use websites and apps that have lists of safe medications and supplements for people with celiac disease. GlutenFreeDrugs.com is a popular site that provides a list of medications.

One of the biggest concerns is wheat starch. Many medications and supplements use starch, but they do not have to identify the source. The starch can come from wheat, corn or other sources. Contact the company directly or ask a pharmacist to identify the starch.

Watch For Symptoms

If you notice new symptoms develop or old symptoms return, talk to a doctor about the medications and supplements. It may be possible to adjust them or try a different brand. Some people with celiac disease can have a serious reaction to small amounts of gluten, so they may notice symptoms right away. Others may not have a reaction but can still suffer damage to their small intestines.  

Before taking a new medication or supplement, make sure you can determine it is gluten-free and safe. Ask a doctor or pharmacist for additional help and tell them about your concerns.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in American Fork, Utah.

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