What Nutrients Are Deficient In Celiac Sufferers?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Wheat, rye, barley and sometime oats contain gluten and must be avoided to prevent symptoms and health complications, one of which is nutritional deficiencies. Celiac disease interferes with your intestine's ability to absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Your doctor may prescribe a multivitamin to help ensure that you are getting enough of the vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health in combination with dietary changes to increase your intake through foods.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a nutrient that is involved in blood clotting and bone health. A deficiency may result in excessive bleeding when injured and could cause hemorrhaging. Inadequate absorption of vitamin K may also play a role in the development of osteoporosis. While a vitamin K deficiency is rare in the United States, having celiac disease contributes to an increased risk. Food sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables, liver and green tea.

Iron

Being deficient in iron may produce symptoms of fatigue and weakness and is a common sign of undiagnosed celiac disease, reports Coeliac UK. If you are iron deficient, talk with your doctor about being tested for celiac disease, especially if anyone in your family has the condition. If you have low iron levels, a supplement can normalize your numbers. Foods that are rich in iron include meat, fish, whole grains, eggs, dried fruit and leafy green vegetables.

Calcium

Children with celiac disease may not reach a healthy bone mass, and adults with the condition may experience bone loss, reports National Institute of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. The nutrient absorption problems that accompany celiac disease lend themselves to inadequate calcium absorption, which increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, with the chances being higher when the condition is undiagnosed. A gluten-free diet combined with calcium and vitamin D, which increases calcium absorption, is an effective way to keep your bones healthy and strong. Include milk, yogurt, cheese and leafy green vegetables in your diet, all of which contain calcium.

Folate

Folate, also called folic acid, is one of the B vitamins and is important because it helps prevent birth defects. If you have celiac disease and are pregnant, it is vital to ensure that your body is getting enough folate by taking a supplement and eating foods rich in the nutrient. Good choices include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts and liver.