High calcium foods for coeliacs

A coeliac, as you might well be aware, is someone who cannot tolerate gluten. Breads, pasta and any other wheat-based food are off the menu and the coeliac will run the gauntlet of restaurants and pre-prepared food for their whole lives, hoping to not ingest any gluten. A run in with the stuff can result in severe illness, and agonising symptoms.

However, ensuring a healthy, balanced gluten-free diet that is rich in calcium is important to help keep bones healthy and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Coeliac UK state that people with coeliac disease may have an increased need for calcium compared to the general adult population.

How come? Well according to their website, the risk of osteoporosis is increased in those who are diagnosed with coeliac disease late in life due to chronic malabsorption of calcium prior to diagnosis.

Treatment is important to avoid complications of osteoporosis such as fractures. There is also evidence that early diagnosis and management of coeliac disease in childhood prevents bone loss. Early diagnosis also allows preventative action to be taken. When diagnosed in childhood, most children with coeliac disease will be able to achieve normal bone mass.

With this in mind, the association have drawn up some guidelines for coeliacs – making sure their daily intake is focused on, as below.

Adults with coeliac disease should have at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. The recommended amount for the general population is 700mg.