Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that effects the digestive system, interfering with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. More than 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, according to 2005 information provided by the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. Treatment for celiac disease involves the avoidance of a protein found in food called gluten. People with celiac disease need to carefully read food labels to avoid foods with the offending protein, including nutritional products such as Boost nutritional drink.
Gluten and Celiac Disease
Gluten is a protein found in foods made with wheat, barley or rye. When people with celiac disease consume foods containing gluten their immune systems react by attacking and damaging the small intestines. When your small intestines are damaged, you are unable to absorb nutrients properly, which can lead to malnutrition. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and in some cases, cancer. It can also lead to additional autoimmune disorders. Paying careful attention to the foods you eat, reading labels and avoiding all foods containing the gluten is the only way to treat celiac disease.
Boost Nutritional Drink
Boost nutritional drink is made by Nestle Nutrition. It is designed to act as a complete source of nutrition, providing a concentrated source of calories, protein, fat and essential vitamins and minerals. It can help people with a poor appetites meet their nutrient needs. It is also marketed to help people with poor diets meet their nutrient needs. Boost is available in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, and varieties such as original, Boost Plus, Calorie Smart and Glucose Control.
Boost and Celiac Disease
In 2004, the FDA passed a law requiring food labels to clearly state if the product contains any potential allergen including gluten. According to the Boost website, all flavors of Original Boost, Boost Plus, Boost Calorie Smart, Boost Glucose Control are labeled as gluten-free. Boost High Protein, however, is not labeled as gluten-free, and, therefore, may not be a safe product for someone with celiac disease.
Considerations
If you have celiac disease and are looking for ways to supplement your diet with additional calories, protein, vitamins and minerals, it is safe for you to drink the gluten-free Boost nutritional products. However, you should consult with your physician or dietitian to determine if a nutritional product like Boost is appropriate for you before making it a part of your diet.
References
- Nestle Nutrition: Boost Products
- Boost: Nutritional Drinks
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders; Celiac Disease; September 2008
- University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center; Celiac Disease Facts and Figures; August 2005
- Food and Drug Administration: Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004
