What You Didn’t Know About Gluten-Free Diets

Celiac disease is a condition where the body reacts negatively to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with this condition, the only effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. This often means replacing gluten-containing foods with alternatives made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains.

Study Overview: Tracking Arsenic Levels in Children

Researchers from Boston Children’s Hospital looked into whether switching to a gluten-free diet might increase exposure to arsenic—a naturally occurring element that can be harmful at high levels. The study followed 35 children, ages 2 to 18, who had recently been diagnosed with celiac disease. All had confirmed diagnoses based on blood tests and intestinal biopsies.

Urine samples were collected at the time of diagnosis and again six months later, after the children had been following a gluten-free diet.

Key Findings: Arsenic Levels Went Up

After six months on the gluten-free diet, the children had significantly higher levels of arsenic in their urine. The average concentration rose from 3.3 to 13.6 micrograms per litre (µg/L). While these levels are still below what’s considered dangerous for short-term exposure, the long-term effects of chronic exposure are not yet fully understood.

Risk Factors: Family History and Ethnicity

The study also found that children with a family history of celiac disease and those of Hispanic background were more likely to have higher arsenic levels.

Possible Cause: Rice-Based Foods

The researchers believe the increase in arsenic is likely due to the greater intake of rice and rice-based products, which are commonly used in gluten-free foods. Rice is known to absorb more arsenic from soil and water than other grains.

Conclusion

While the rise in arsenic levels is a concern, it’s important to note that the levels observed were not immediately harmful. Still, the findings suggest that families and healthcare providers should be aware of potential risks and consider varying gluten-free food choices to limit rice consumption.
Further studies are needed to understand the long-term health effects of these findings. In the meantime, offering a diverse gluten-free diet including grains like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat may help reduce exposure.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.