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The gluten free diet
You need to cut out all foods containing gluten, such as ordinary bread, pasta, cereals, cakes, biscuits, and many sauces and ready meals.
- many foods are naturally gluten free, such as meat, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables, rice, potatoes and dairy
- look for gluten free labels. Allergens, including cereals containing gluten, are shown in bold on ingredients lists
- watch out for cross-contamination, for example from toasters and shared butter
Dietitian support
You should be referred to a dietitian, who will help you plan a healthy, balanced gluten free diet.
Oats
Most people with coeliac disease can eat pure, uncontaminated oats labelled gluten free. A small number react to them. Check with your dietitian.
Gluten free food on prescription
Some areas offer gluten free bread and flour mixes on prescription. What is available depends on where you live.
Other treatment
- vitamin and mineral supplements, such as iron, calcium or vitamin D, if you are low
- a bone density scan, as coeliac disease can cause osteoporosis
- the pneumococcal vaccine, as some people with coeliac disease are at higher risk of infections
You should have a review once a year.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.