Is it safe for celiac disease patients to eat biscuits?
Quick Answer
It depends on the ingredients of the biscuits.
Biscuits made from gluten-free ingredients are safe for celiac disease patients. However, biscuits made with wheat, barley, or rye should be avoided as they contain gluten, which can trigger symptoms in individuals with celiac disease.
What Is It?
Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder resulting from an immune reaction to gliadin, a gluten protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. Ingesting these grains can damage the small intestine and prevent absorption of nutrients in individuals with celiac disease.
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming biscuits containing gluten can pose serious risks for individuals with celiac disease.
- Damage to the small intestine’s lining, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
- Development of other autoimmune disorders.
- Osteoporosis due to decreased calcium absorption.
- Increased risk of intestinal lymphomas and other gastrointestinal cancers.
Safe Alternatives
- Biscuits made from gluten-free grains like rice, corn, or quinoa.
- Biscuits made with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Biscuits labeled as ‘gluten-free’.