Celiac disease, or CD, is an autoimmune disorder triggered by some of the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. According to the National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse, "The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet." However, eliminating all foods containing gluten from your diet can put you at risk for various nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D.
Effects
The villi, which are small finger-like projections on the inside of the small intestine, are responsible for absorbing vital nutrients from partially-digested food as it passes through the gut. If you have CD and eat or drink gluten, your body will identify the protein and launch an attack. This autoimmune process damages your villi and reduces their ability to absorb nutrients. Over time, untreated CD can cause mineral and vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition.
Identification
Your doctor can order blood tests to see if you have low levels of iron, folate, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin D.
Prevention/Solution
If you treat your CD by eliminating gluten-containing foods from your diet, your body can repair your villi to some extent. Even when villi are back to normal, however, they may not be able to absorb nutrients as well as they did before the autoimmune attacks. If your blood tests show low levels of specific nutrients, your doctor may recommend supplements to correct the deficiency. If your bone mineral density test shows that you have some degree of bone thinning, your doctor may prescribe vitamin D supplements.
Sources
If you have celiac disease, you can safely eat gluten-free foods rich in vitamin D, including salmon, tuna, mackerel, egg yolks and beef liver. Select fortified, gluten-free products such as orange juice, yogurt and milk.
Considerations
If you have other food sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance, milk allergies or soy allergies, you'll have further dietary restrictions. Soy foods, milk and other dairy products are traditionally fortified with extra vitamin D, you'll lose those sources of the vitamin.
Tips
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness publishes an extensive online listing of gluten-free food products, as well as online markets and grocery stores that sell these products. You can contact sources directly to see which products are fortified with vitamin D.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
- Celiac Sprue Association: Treatment of Celiac Disease
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Getting Started: Celiac Disease & the Gluten-Free Diet
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D
- Celiac Sprue Association: Gluten-Free Diet: Basic Food Choices
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