Hello and thank you for taking the time to listen to my blog, my name

is Josh Naumann Im a current dietetic intern at the University of

Maryland College Park. Today Id like to discuss the trend, the claims,
and the effects surrounding why following a gluten-free diets may not
be beneficial.
Why Is a Gluten-Free Diet Not Beneficial?
The Trend:
The food industry has been swept up by the gluten-free trend,
the New York Times reports gluten-free food products have seen sales
total $10.5 billion and will exceed $15 billion by 2016.5 However,
buying gluten-free is costly and not sensible for those who do not have
gluten restrictions. A study done in 2008 showed that purchasing
gluten-free items was 242% more expensive compared to analogous
gluten-containing products.3 Gluten-free diets are necessary for
individuals who have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat
allergy. CNN reports that 1% of the U.S. population is affected by celiac
disease and as much as 10% are affected by non-celiac gluten
intolerance.4 For the general population who dont possess sensitivity
to the protein found in gluten, following a gluten-free diet is
unnecessary and can be detrimental to an individuals health.
The Claims:
Two popular claims that surround gluten-free dieting include
weight loss and increased energy. These claims are related to dieters
becoming more health conscious, checking food labels and eating
balanced meals. Food labels are checked for nutritional facts and
ingredients. Consumption of processed foods that are usually high in
calories, fat, and/or sugar are substituted for healthier options such as
fruits and vegetables.6 Just because a product is gluten-free doesnt
make it necessarily healthy, in some cases gluten-free products can be
more energy dense than their counterpart products. Studies done on
overweight adults and children who were previously diagnosed with
celiac disease and placed on a gluten-free diet were observed to
increase weight and body mass index (BMI).1 Lifestyle changes are
what cause increased energy and weight loss, removal of gluten from
ones diet has no effect on these claims.
The Effects:
The implications that gluten is the root of poor health, when in
actuality gluten-containing food have proven advantageous particularly
whole grains. Whole grains are great sources of B vitamins such as

folate, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin which are necessary for the
conversion of food to energy.2,6 Gluten containing products may also be
enriched with minerals such as calcium, essential in formation of bones
and teeth as well as iron, necessary for oxygen to bind to
hemoglobin.2,6 Whole grains are important sources of fiber, which is a
complex carbohydrate found in plants that is indigestible in the body. It
has the ability to bind to molecules before they are absorbed in the
small intestine and remove them by excretion. It is known to help
improve serum cholesterol, serum LDL, and blood pressure by
preventing lipid absorption, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Gluten also has extremely high amounts of glutamine, an amino acid
that is essential in improving the immune system function.1 Studies
have shown that diets that meet 100% of the daily recommended
intake of whole-grains have increased Bifidobacterium and
Lactobacillus 1 Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are beneficial
microorganisms found in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Increase in
the bacteria have been shown to boost immune system by producing
lactic acid, which raises the pH in the gut preventing formation of
harmful bacteria.1 These beneficial intestinal flora use indigestible fiber
found in whole grains as a fuel source called prebiotics. A diet free of
gluten may actually have adverse effects to the body. Vitamin and
mineral deficiencies, low fiber intake, and lack of prebiotics for
intestinal flora are results of low whole grain intake thus individuals
who are not sensitive to gluten should not follow a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free diets have gained in popularity with many
unsupported claims being made, but are these claims accurate?
Remember, before going gluten-free, talk to your doctor or a
Registered Dietitian to determine if this diet is right for you. Never
follow a diet without knowing the facts!
Works Cited:
1) Gaesser GA, Angadi SS. Gluten-free diet: imprudent dietary
advice for the general population? J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012; 112(9).
doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2012.06.009
2) Harvard University. Listing of vitamins. Harvard Health
Publications Available at:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Listing_of_vitamins.ht
m. Accessed October 19, 2014.
3) Stevens L, Rashid M. Gluten-free and regular foods: a cost
comparison. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2008 Fall;69(3):147-50.

4) Storrs C. Cable News Network. Will a gluten-free diet improve

your health? Health.com; April 12, 2011. Available at:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/04/12/gluten.free.diet.improve
/. Accessed October 13, 2014.
5) Strom S. The New York Times. A Big Bet on Gluten-Free. Business
Day; February 17, 2014. Available at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/18/business/food-industrywagers-big-on-gluten-free.html?_r=0. Accessed October 13,
2014.
6) University of Wisconsin Health. The Reality Behind Gluten-Free
Diets. Nutrition and Health Education. Available at:
http://www.uwhealth.org/nutrition-diet/the-reality-behind-glutenfree-diets/31084. Accessed October 13, 2014.