FAQs
| Q. | What is Coeliac Disease? |
| A. | Gluten can affect us in a number of ways. Coeliac disease is a well-defined, illness where the body’s immune system attacks itself when gluten is eaten. This causes damage to the lining of the gut and means that the body cannot properly absorb nutrients from food. Coeliac disease is not a food allergy or intolerance, it is an autoimmune disease. |
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| Q. | Is Coeliac Disease Common? |
| A. | It’s estimated that one in one hundred people in the UK have coeliac disease. |
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| Q. | What are Coeliac Disease Symptoms? |
| A. | The NHS states that the most common symptom of coeliac disease is diarrhoea. This is caused by the body’s failure to not fully absorb nutrients. Other symptoms include bloating or abdominal (stomach) pain, tiredness and fatigue, flatulence and weight loss, tingling and swelling of hands, feet, arms and legs. Vomiting can also be a symptom of coeliac disease, although this usually only affects children. |
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| Q. | Can I be Sensitive to Gluten Even if I haven’t been Diagnosed as a Coeliac? |
| A. | Yes, some people have gut symptoms when eating foods that contain gluten, even if they don’t have coeliac disease. This is sometimes called non coeliac gluten sensitivity. The symptoms of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity may be similar to those experienced by many people with coeliac disease. However, it’s not clear how the immune system might be involved and there does not appear to be damage to the lining of the gut. |
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| Q. | What Should I do if I think I am Allergic to Gluten? |
| A. | Book an appointment with your GP. Your GP will usually administer a blood test to determine if you could be allergic to gluten. This will test for antibodies that the body makes in response to eating gluten. If the result is positive, diagnosis is confirmed by a gut biopsy carried out by a gastroenterologist. If you are diagnosed with coeliac disease then you could receive products that are free of gluten via prescription. |
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| Q. | Is Glutamel Available on the NHS? |
| A. | No, but all Glutamel products are made to NHS and European standards. Our products are tested to a quantified limit of 10ppm to demonstrate we comply with the latest European legislation. The Commission Regulation (EC) No. 41/2009 that came into effect in January 2012 states that products labelled as gluten free must be below 20ppm. |
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| Q. | Are Glutamel products Wheat and Dairy Free? |
| A. | Yes, all products in the Glutamel range are both wheat and dairy free. Glutamel is suitable for individuals who suffer wheat and dairy intolerances. |
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| Q. | Does Glutamel contain Codex Wheat Starch? |
| A. | No, unlike some of our competitors, we do not use codex wheat starch where the gluten has been removed by an additional factory process. We prefer to use naturally gluten free alternatives. |
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| Q. | What is the Shelf Life of Glutamel? |
| A. | All Glutamel products are packed in a modified atmosphere to preserve freshness and give long life. Glutamel products have a shelf life of up-to 12 weeks. |
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| Q. | Can I Freeze Glutamel Products? |
| A. | Yes, freeze on the day of purchase and use by the best before date. |
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