Is it ok for celiac disease patients to eat oats?
Quick Answer
Yes, but with caution.
Most people with celiac disease can safely eat moderate amounts of oats, as long as they are not contaminated with wheat, barley or rye. However, a small number of people with celiac disease may not tolerate oats. Always consult with your doctor or dietitian.
What Is It?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Gluten is found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be contaminated with gluten if they’re processed in the same facility as gluten-containing grains.
Why It Can Be Risky
While oats are generally safe for most people with celiac disease, there are potential risks involved.
- Cross-contamination
- Individual tolerance
Safe Method?
To safely include oats in a gluten-free diet for celiac disease, it’s important to only buy oats that are labeled ‘gluten-free’. This ensures that the oats have been processed in a facility that doesn’t also process wheat, barley, or rye.
Safe Alternatives
If you find that you can’t tolerate oats, there are many other gluten-free grains available, such as quinoa, rice, corn, and buckwheat.