Oats are often contaminated with gluten during harvesting or processing, but many companies now sell uncontaminated products.Ī very small number of people with celiac disease (and possibly other conditions) may still be unable to tolerate pure, uncontaminated oats. However, 100% of the oat products passed the test, implying that labels certifying oats and oatmeal as gluten-free can be trusted in most cases ( 16, 21). One study discovered that gluten levels exceeded safety limits in 5% of products labeled gluten-free. Still, even gluten-free labels may not be completely reliable. These oats can be marketed as gluten-free and must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten ( 20). Notably, a number of companies have begun to process oats with clean equipment and grow them in fields designated gluten-free. This high risk of contamination means that it’s unsafe to include conventionally grown oats in a strict gluten-free diet. ![]() Just 20 ppm of gluten may be enough to cause a reaction in someone with celiac disease ( 16). One study in 109 oat-containing products on the market in North America and Europe found that the products contained over 200 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, on average ( 16, 19). Therefore, it’s unsurprising that studies analyzing regular oat products identified levels of gluten far exceeding the standard for gluten-free foods ( 16, 17, 18). The sowing seed may also be impure, harboring a small amount of wheat, rye, or barley seeds.Īdditionally, products made with oats are usually processed, prepared, and packaged in the same facilities as gluten-containing products. The same equipment is typically used to harvest crops in neighboring fields, which leads to cross-contamination if one of those crops contains gluten. Most people can tolerate it, but it can harm some individuals.Īlthough oats themselves don’t contain gluten, they’re often grown alongside other crops. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. If you’re intolerant to gluten, even a tiny amount is harmful, making a gluten-free diet the only way to avoid serious health issues ( 5, 6, 7, 8). ![]() If you have celiac disease, your body launches an autoimmune response to gluten, damaging your intestinal lining ( 5). Gluten may cause digestive issues in certain populations because its unique amino acid structure may hinder the digestive enzymes in your gut ( 1, 2, 3, 4). Most people can eat gluten without any side effects, but these proteins can cause serious health problems for some individuals. These proteins give bread and pasta their stretchy, chewy texture ( 1, 2, 3, 4). Gluten is a family of proteins found in grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. Link to article from University of Chicago on celiac and cancers of the digestive system.In fact, surveys reveal that as many as 15–30% of people in the United States try to avoid gluten for one reason or another. If your cousin is a minor, it’s best to allow the parents to make food decisions. If your cousin is an adult, I would recommend that you talk to her about whether or not she wants to consume food that is gifted to her. My doctor told me it was imperative that I not consume any gluten, as well as any foods with a cross contamination risk. One study that dates back to 1964 found a 10 fold increase in a particular intestinal cancer among celiacs. Researchers have known for a long time that there is a link between celiacs disease and certain types intestinal cancers. Celiacs should not base food choices on an ingredients list alone. ![]() What others are saying here about reading the ingredients list is only advisable for those people who are avoiding gluten by choice. A product might not contain any gluten, but if it’s produced in a facility that also produces gluten products, there is the real possibility of cross contamination. ![]() Because she is celiac she should only eat foods that are certified gluten-free.
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