Gluten is a protein mostly found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or if you believe you are sensitive to gluten, you need to eliminate all sources of gluten from your diet. Some sources are more obvious, such as breads, pasta and breakfast cereals, but a lot of foods may also contain hidden sources of gluten, especially processed foods such as bars, shakes, soy sauce, seasonings and sausages. It is best to look carefully at the ingredients of any food you put in your basket at the grocery store because low-carb does not necessarily mean gluten-free.
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Atkins Products
Most Atkins Advantage bars contain wheat or gluten, although a few varieties of Advantage bars and most of the Endulge bars appear to not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, it is important to check the labels on a regular basis as the ingredients may occasionally change. Look at the bottom of the ingredient lists where potential allergens, such as wheat, must be clearly identified. However, even if wheat is not listed at the bottom of the ingredient lists, carefully read all the ingredients to ensure there is no hidden sources of gluten in some ingredients, such as malt, bran and germ. Hydrolyzed protein, flavoring, starch and some vitamin blends may also contain gluten. When in doubt, it is wise to contact the manufacturer and ask whether gluten is present in a specific product.
Cross-Contamination
A common problem with processed foods and foods manufactured in large facilities is cross-contamination. If a gluten-containing food is processed in the same facility, there is a risk that other gluten-free products become cross-contaminated with gluten. If you are diagnosed with celiac disease or are very sensitive to gluten, small traces may be enough to trigger side effects. For this reason, it may be best to avoid Atkins products if you need to keep gluten out of your diet.
Gluten-Free Certification
Some products specifically indicate that they are gluten-free certified on their labels. These foods are safe to use if you are celiac or gluten intolerant. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization ensures that strict standards are used to certify a product gluten-free. Its certification is a good way to identify with confidence gluten-free foods that are suitable for your diet. Atkins products are not certified gluten-free.
Other Potentially Harmful Ingredients
People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may also be sensitive to other potential allergens or gut-irritating ingredients. For example, many of the Atkins products contain dairy, soy or nuts ingredients. Maltitol and sulphites are also found in a number of products and may not be appropriate for people having immune or gastrointestinal reactions to some problematic ingredients.
www.livestrong.com
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