John K Mitchell's Misc Blog

As a Coeliac (or celiac in the USA) sufferer I tend to keep an eye open for websites about gluten free food.

Recent, while playing blogshares I came across the gluten free girl blog that made interesting reading.

For those that are not aware gluten is a protein that is found in many cereals including Wheat, Rye and Barley although not in Rice or Corn. The gluten allergy (coeliac disease) is characterised by damage or flattening to all or part of the villi lining the small intestine, this then interferes with the absorption of nutrients. This damage is caused by eating anything that contains gluten.

Ah, I hear you say, so stay off bread, biscuits and cakes and you will be ok. The problem is that I've seen wheat starch in items such as grated cheese, yoghurts, chocolates and even mustard and pepper, never mind sauces and gravy powders.