If You Have Celiac Disease, Take A B Vitamin

Celiac Disease symptoms are caused by an autoimmune disorder where the small intestine becomes inflamed and damaged by gluten, the substance in wheat and some other grains which holds baked goods together (It’s also a source of protein in bread). The damage to the small intestines in Celiac Disease patients is correlated with a poor ability to absorb necessary nutrients: Vitamin B in particular. Besides having many important functions from metabolism to immune system function, not having enough Vitamin B is associated with higher homocysteine levels and, subsequently, an increased risk of cardiovascular trouble. Anyone with a damaged intestine, either due to Celiac Disease or other autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s, should take a multivitamin to help with nutrient deficiencies. Specifically, look for a multivitamin which contains readily absorbable nutrients, rather than ones your body has to process. Sufferers of Celiac Disease symptoms are known to have high homocysteine levels (check with your doctor about your heart health risks). Taking a B Vitamin may help the body regulate itself better by supplying necessary nutrients. As for sufferers of Gluten Intolerance, those who don’t have Celiac Disease but feel better on a gluten free diet, because they are largely self-diagnosed it’s hard to say whether they have the same intestine damage as those with Celiac Disease. Probably some are close, while others are fine as long as they still have a balanced diet. It’s easy enough to take a B Vitamin supplement just to be sure.Show of hands: who’s eating gluten free? What’s the most challenging part, and how has it made you feel?