Hidden gluten
Content provided by Healthwise
Hidden gluten
Gluten is a protein found in some grains, notably wheat, barley, and rye. The symptoms of celiac disease (such as diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal bloating) may or may not occur after eating foods that contain gluten. But if you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response that is not normal and can lead to damage of your small intestine. This damage can occur even when you do not notice symptoms.
Some foods and food products may contain gluten even when it is not specifically listed as an ingredient. The following foods and food products may have hidden gluten:
Milk products
- Ice cream and other frozen dairy products
- Cheese spreads
- Yogurt with fruit
Processed foods
- Hot chocolate mixes or cocoa, chocolates, and candy bars
- Bouillon cubes, soup mixes, and canned soups
- Processed meats and poultry, such as hot dogs, sausages, and luncheon meats
- Imitation meat and seafood
Other products
- Nondairy creamer, salad dressings, soy sauce, gravy and other sauce mixes, mustard, ketchup, tomato sauce, and peanut butter
- Drink mixes and herbal teas
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which is a filler product used in many prepared or processed foods
- Communion wafers used in religious services
If you have celiac disease, it is important for you to learn about sources of hidden gluten. You may not always have symptoms, so you cannot judge whether a food is safe by how you feel after eating it.
Some medicines contain gluten. Ask your doctor whether the medicines you take contain gluten. You can also ask your pharmacist when buying nonprescription medicines, but often you must contact the manufacturer of the medicine to find this information.
Gluten may also be in products such as vitamins and other health supplements, lipstick, lip balm, and children's modeling dough (such as Play-Doh).
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | June 23, 2008 |
| Last updated: | June 23, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Jerry S. Trier, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
