It's not easy to avoid gluten in the American diet, but for children with celiac disease, avoidance is essential. Numerous common products contain gluten, a protein found in grains such as barley, rye and wheat. The Flintstones vitamins website reveals that Bayer, the manufacturer, does not add gluten to its vitamins, but it can't say for sure that the ingredients coming from other suppliers are gluten-free.
Celiac Disease
For people with celiac disease, the ingestion of gluten spurs an immune reaction that causes the body to attack the lining of the small intestine, which in turn damages the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Symptoms can mimic other disorders, so celiac diagnoses may be delayed. Diarrhea, bloating, stomachache, weight loss and inadequate growth are common problems for celiac sufferers. The disease may fluctuate in severity, but it does not go away. The major treatment for celiac disease is to avoid eating anything that contains gluten.
Flintstones Vitamins
Flintstones vitamins come in many formulations and a couple of different forms: chewable tablets and gummy candies. Each vitamin has its own set of ingredients, but most contain the B vitamins along with vitamins A, C, D and E. They also have folic acid and minerals such as iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Additionally, the vitamins contain red, yellow and blue food dyes, to which some children may be sensitive. Two varieties, the Complete and Plus Calcium formulas, have aspartame, and many varieties contain sugar.
Contamination
Even products that do not list gluten as an ingredient, such as the Flintstones vitamins, may be contaminated with the protein during the manufacturing process or from materials that come from other sources. Any manufacturing equipment that has ever processed gluten-containing foods can spread the protein to products that would otherwise be gluten-free. Even in your own kitchen, for example, crumbs from wheat toast can end up in the jelly jar or the butter dish, so it's important to be aware of cross-contamination.
Avoidance
The best thing for celiac sufferers to do is to read product labels. If products such as Flintstones vitamins don't specify that they are gluten-free on the label, don't take a chance. Even a "wheat-free" product may not be gluten-free because it may contain other grains. The marketplace has responded to this problem with gluten-free products and substitutes for staples such as pasta and bread. A dietitian can help you figure out which types of foods to avoid and which to include in your pantry.
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