One of the major health concerns regarding a gluten-free diet is increased homocysteine levels. Recently, a recent study found that by taking B vitamin supplements, celiac patients can reduce this risk.What exactly is homocysteine? Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood. Studies have shown that too much homocysteine in the blood is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Other evidence suggests that homocysteine may have an effect on atherosclerosis by damaging the inner lining of arteries and promoting blood clots.
Even when faithfully following a gluten-free diet, celiac patients are more likely to suffer from nutrient deficiencies and poor health. Gluten-free products are often low in B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fiber as very few gluten-free foods are not fortified with these nutrients.
In the study that was recently conducted, celiac patients were treated with not only a gluten-free diet, healing their small intestine and increasing absorption of nutrients, but they were also given B vitamin supplements. It was found that those who took this supplement and maintained a gluten-free diet had significantly higher levels of B vitamins in the blood and lower levels of homocysteine, compared with a group who only maintained a gluten-free diet and another control group.
What does this mean for you? Researchers are now saying that B vitamin supplements should be considered in disease management. In addition to your gluten-free diet, you should take B vitamin supplements daily, making sure these include vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12. It is fortunate the celiac community now has this vital information, and as celiac research continues, we can look forward to more helpful data from researchers.
Article Courtesy: G-Free Advocate Tina Turbin
Rejeanne Bureau says
I have just started taking Vitamin b's and c. I want to take vitamin D also, but after 3 days of taking these vitamins, today my stomach is 3x's larger. It has swollen up. Is this the vitamins?
Administrator says
Rejeanne - Please make certain the vitamin supplements you are taking are Gluten Free. You may want to consult http://www.glutenfreedrugs.com/ for more information about Gluten and fillers in vitamins & drugs. Also, if your GI systems is already upset, you may be having problems absorbing your food or vitamins also. We suggest contacting your doctor if the problem persists.
Tasha Kennedy says
I thought I had fibromyalgia, and had heard of an alternative pain therapy that incorporated B vitamins, and a calcium/magnesium/zinc with vitamin D supplement. Once I started taking those, a lot of my pain subsided. Once I found that I had Celiac I've stayed with my vitamin supplements, because after having chronic fatigue syndrome, and the fear of the pain returning I just felt better staying on them. I've been taking the supplements for 2 years now, and have been totally gluten free (not including the few times something's been cross contaminated) for 7 months. I still small bouts of pain from time to time, but nothing like it used to be. I take Super B Complex, and Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc with vitamin D by Nature Made which is gluten free. Also, I've always had fairly moderate insomnia, which can be caused by low magnesium, so I make sure I take one of the calcium/magnesium/zinc pills with a 5-HTP before bed and I sleep like a baby. I am now off of all medication, except for an occasional advil or aleve.