Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

[Scott Adams]

I am often asked about which supplements I take, so I'm sharing it here.

I think you'll find a big variation of what supplements different people on this forum take, but here is a breakdown of the many I take. This regimen has worked well for me, but it has take many years for me to add and remove different ones. Also, all of this list may not apply or be helpful for everyone here, but it may work for many people so I'm sharing it.

Before I list them I am also now exploring ways to cut my costs down on supplements, and have discovered that old stand byes like One A Day (with or without iron, depending on your needs), Geritol Multivitamin, or Costco's Mature Multi do contain many of these so you may want to first start with one of those, and then add supplements aren't included, or that you may need higher levels for. In general I follow the directions on the bottle, and take 1 or 2 a day depending on the recommendation. I the majority after breakfast, and if a supplement calls for 2 a day, I take the 2nd dose after dinner.

I break these down in groups, and I personally have to avoid iron, so be sure to know your iron levels as this can build up in your system and cause issues if it gets too high. Likewise, you may want to check all of your levels before starting supplementation, and vitamins D and B6 can also build up in your system and have toxic effects.

CORE SUPPLEMENTS (maybe every celiac needs)

• (Kirkland Signature) Adult 50+ Mature Multi Vitamins & Minerals (Costco)
• (Nature Made) B-Complex (Costco)
• Citracal Maximum Plus (Costco)
• (Nature Made) Fish Oil 1,200 MG (Costco)
• (Nature Made) Magnesium 400 MG (Costco)
• (Kirkland) D3 (2,000 IU) - Optional as Citrical has 1,000 IU 2x Daily = 2,000 IU. I've stopped and started this one several times  and noticed that I just feel a lot better taking 4,000 IU daily (Costco)

BRAIN FOG, MEMORY ISSUES and/or ATAXIA (below helped greatly with these issues which I've had on and off since my diagnosis in 1994)

• (Horbaach) Choline Bitartrate 100mg (Amazon)
• (Kirkland) B12 1,000 IU - Optional as the B-Complex includes B12. Even though my blood levels of B12 are always high, I've noticed increased memory & brain fog issues whenever I've stopped this for a week or more (Costco)
• (Zenavea) Benfotiamine 300 MG (Amazon)
• (Finest Nutrition) DHEA 25 MG - Optional and usually for Males only, a natural testosterone booster that helped improve my concentration (Amazon)

It's a lot, and not recommended for everyone, and, as mentioned, I'm now working on a way to reduce the cost and number of pills I am taking.

 

Vitamins and Minerals Generally Safe in Excess of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Excess vitamin C is usually excreted in the urine and is considered safe in higher doses. However, very high doses may cause digestive upset in some individuals.
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Water-soluble, excess thiamine is generally excreted through urine. It is considered safe in higher doses but consult with a healthcare professional.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Water-soluble, excess riboflavin is excreted in the urine and is generally safe in higher doses.
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Water-soluble, niacin has a well-defined upper limit, but moderate excess is often excreted. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable.
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Water-soluble, excess pantothenic acid is generally excreted through urine and considered safe in higher doses.
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Water-soluble, excess biotin is typically excreted and is considered safe in higher doses.
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Water-soluble, excess B12 is typically excreted in the urine and is considered safe in higher doses. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable.
• Choline: While not a true vitamin, choline is water-soluble, and excess is usually excreted. It's considered safe in higher doses but consult with a healthcare professional.

Vitamins and Minerals with Potential for Toxicity in Excess of Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):

• Vitamin A (Retinol): Excessive vitamin A intake, especially from supplements, can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and, in severe cases, organ damage.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Long-term use of high doses of Vitamin B6, typically above 200 mg per day, can lead to toxicity. Symptoms of Vitamin B6 toxicity include nerve damage (neuropathy), which can cause pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. The condition is usually reversible once supplementation is stopped, but in severe cases, nerve damage may be permanent.
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): The UL for Folic Acid is set at 1,000 mcg (1 mg) per day for adults. This limit primarily applies to synthetic folic acid found in supplements and fortified foods, not naturally occurring folate in food. High intake of folic acid can mask the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to neurological damage if left untreated. This is because folic acid supplementation can correct anemia caused by B12 deficiency without addressing the underlying neurological damage. Some studies suggest that excessive folic acid intake might increase the risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals who have precancerous lesions.
• Vitamin D -  While moderate excess may be excreted, prolonged high doses can lead to vitamin D toxicity, resulting in hypercalcemia, kidney damage, and other complications.
• Vitamin E (Tocopherols): Excess vitamin E is usually excreted, but high doses from supplements may have adverse effects. Obtaining it through a balanced diet is preferable.
• Vitamin K: Excess vitamin K from supplements can interfere with blood thinning medications and cause issues in some individuals.
• Iron: Excessive iron intake, especially from supplements, can lead to iron toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, organ failure.
• Zinc: While zinc is essential, excessive intake can lead to zinc toxicity, affecting the immune system and causing digestive issues.
• Copper: High copper levels, often from supplements, can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage.
• Selenium: Excessive selenium intake, especially from supplements, can lead to selenosis, causing symptoms like hair loss, gastrointestinal issues, and neurological problems.

It's crucial to note that individual tolerances can vary, and supplementation should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

[cnazrael89]

On 8/15/2022 at 1:21 PM, Scott Adams said:

(Zenavea) Benfotiamine 300 MG (Amazon)

@Scott AdamsQuick question on this brand of Benfotiamine. I ordered this because it is Gluten free and saw that you also used this company. I received my bottle and it states it is indeed gluten free but it has other information stating that it is produced in a facility that processes wheat containing products. You haven't had any troubles? Does your bottle have the "Allergen Statement" that mentions facility/machinery that also has wheat? Is this something I need to be concerned about?

[Scott Adams]

I've not had any issues with any of the supplements I've been taking. I realize that some people are concerned about such "made in a facility" allergen statements, but in general if "gluten-free" is on the label it means they test and monitor to avoid any contamination.

[CMCM]

There seem to be a couple of ways to state gluten dangers.  One is "made on shared equipment" with gluten products, and that one is a definite NO.  The "made is a facility" one is something companies do as a CYA when it's not a dedicated gluten-free production facility.  There's always risk, but I don't have issues with this one and neither does my very sensitive son.  Not yet, anyway!

[JoMum]

Hi Adam, have you looked at K2? It should be taken with higher doses of Vitamin D3 as it helps it activate the vitamin in the body. Hope this helps. 
regards 

Jo

[Jane07]

Is one of day multi vitamin gluten free I wasn’t sure I need more copper in my diet one a day 50 plus is it gluten free and vegetarian ?

[Scott Adams]

One A Day vitamins are gluten-free, I'm not sure about vegetarian.

[Jane07]

Do you take anything for or Zinc or copper and iron  gluten free . B van it’s k2 it maybe in my multi vitamin I will look 

[momashes]

I take hema-plex I found on Amazon.  It has everything your body needs to make healthy bloods cells.  My iron has been normal for two years! I have been severely anemic for 34 years!

[Scott Adams]

I must avoid Iron.

[Eldene]

On 8/15/2022 at 9:21 PM, Scott Adams said:

I am often asked about which supplements I take, so I'm sharing it here.

I think you'll find a big variation of what supplements different people on this forum take, but here is a breakdown of the many I take. This regimen has worked well for me, but it has take many years for me to add and remove different ones. Also, all of this list may not apply or be helpful for everyone here, but it may work for many people so I'm sharing it.

Before I list them I am also now exploring ways to cut my costs down on supplements, and have discovered that old stand byes like One A Day (with or without iron, depending on your needs), Geritol Multivitamin, or Costco's Mature Multi do contain many of these so you may want to first start with one of those, and then add supplements aren't included, or that you may need higher levels for. In general I follow the directions on the bottle, and take 1 or 2 a day depending on the recommendation. I the majority after breakfast, and if a supplement calls for 2 a day, I take the 2nd dose after dinner.

I break these down in groups, and I personally have to avoid iron, so be sure to know your iron levels as this can build up in your system and cause issues if it gets too high. Likewise, you may want to check all of your levels before starting supplementation, and vitamins D and B6 can also build up in your system and have toxic effects.

CORE SUPPLEMENTS (maybe every celiac needs)

• (Nature Made) B-Complex (Costco)
• Citracal Maximum Plus D3 (Costco)
• (Nature Made) Fish Oil 1,200 MG (Costco)
• (Nature Made) Magnesium 400 MG (Costco)
• (Nature's Bounty) Niacin - Optional as the B-Complex includes this.  (Amazon)
• (Kirkland) D3 (2,000 IU) - Optional as Citrical has 1,000 IU 2x Daily = 2,000 IU. I've stopped and started this one several times  and noticed that I just feel a lot better taking 4,000 IU daily (Costco)

BRAIN FOG, MEMORY ISSUES and/or ATAXIA (below helped greatly with these issues which I've had on and off since my diagnosis in 1994)

• (Horbaach) Choline Bitartrate 100mg (Amazon)
• (Kirkland) B12 1,000 IU - Optional as the B-Complex includes B12. Even though my blood levels of B12 are always high, I've noticed increased memory & brain fog issues whenever I've stopped this for a week or more (Costco)
• (Zenavea) Benfotiamine 300 MG (Amazon)
• (Finest Nutrition) DHEA 25 MG - Optional and usually for Males only, a natural testosterone booster that helped improve my concentration (Amazon)

It's a lot, and not recommended for everyone, and, as mentioned, I'm now working on a way to reduce the cost and number of pills I am taking.

As a State pensioner in SA, all I cán use is what the State Clinic provide. It is not as good, but similar to Future Life shake.

[Wheatwacked]

Additional likely deficiencies and what I take to boost my intake (I get anorexic at the drop of a hat so I take them to keep me stable):  the ones that helped me the most noticibly are vitamin D, Thiamine, Choline, and Iodine.

• 10,000 IU vitamin D to control autoimmune, improve mood, especially the winter doldrums (Seasonal Affective Disorder), bone and dental health.  Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought: A Historical and an Up-to-Date Perspective
• 500 mg Thiamine - neurologic symptoms, carbohydrate metabolism, subclinical beri-beri.
• Choline 500 mg - essential for fat digestion, gall bladder, liver, brain fog, cell membranes, prevent congenital spinal defects.   Could we be overlooking a potential choline crisis in the United Kingdom?
• Iodine – speeds up healing, muscle tone, brain fog, hair and skin, thyroid. 10 drops of Strong Iodine has 500 micrograms of elemental Iodine. Nori and Kelp. For some people with Dermetitis Herpetiformus, iodine can exasperate the rash.
• Iodine for Hormonal Health "Your ovaries also need iodine and without enough their structure changes. Iodine-deficient women can produce ovarian cysts and are at risk of developing PCOS."
• Vitamin B2 helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy supply. 
• 500 mg Nicotinic Acid - increase capillary blood flow, lower cholesterol.  Niacin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
• 500 mg Pantothenic Acid - creates energy from glucose Krebs Cycle
• 1000 mcg B12 - creates hemoglobin for oxygen transport
• 500 mg Taurine - essential amino acid, a powerful antioxident that we make indogenously, but not enough when sickness increases inflammation. reduces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS are are free radicals.).
• I've been using Zinc Glyconate (Cold-Eeze) since 2004 anytime I feel an itchy throat or other sign of air borne virus coming on.  I haven't had cold or flue, including Covid 19, since.
• Naturally fermented dill pickles (not vinegar quick pickles) reestablished lactobacillus in my gut and reversed my recently acquired lactose intolerance.  100% grass fed dairy is less inflammatory. Milk is a good source of iodine.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Vegetables  Eating more of the vegetables low in omega six and high omega 3 can reduce inflammation while increasing vitamin and mineral intake..  The target omega 6:3 ratio is less than 3:1.  The typical western diet is from 14:1 to 20:1 because of our food choices.

I get most of them from PipingRock.com.  Cheap, Non GMO and Gluten Free.

[Jojer]

My first post here following my recent diagnosis. I only had one symptom that sent me to the doc, now I'm contemplating life without gravy (sigh).

I chased the results from my blood tests around the internet, and texted my PA to ask for a recommendation for a multi vitamin and mineral supplements. In reply, I received a pasted page from Up to Date , a physicians reference website (with lots of links I'd have to subscribe to receive).

So, now I have a list I got from there, plus the helpful suggestions from everyone above that will give me a good start. Thanks!

[Scott Adams]

No need to have a life without gravy--here are a few recipes:

https://www.celiac.com/search/?&q=gravy&type=cms_records2&quick=1&search_and_or=and&search_in=titles&sortby=relevancy 

[Jojer]

33 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

No need to have a life without gravy--here are a few recipes:

https://www.celiac.com/search/?&q=gravy&type=cms_records2&quick=1&search_and_or=and&search_in=titles&sortby=relevancy 

Thanx!

[Scott Adams]

also, "Better Than Gravy" is excellent and we got it at Costco during the Thanksgiving time period.

[Jojer]

On 1/29/2024 at 1:10 PM, Scott Adams said:

also, "Better Than Gravy" is excellent and we got it at Costco during the Thanksgiving time period.

I've been doing most of the cooking around here for many years. I (used to) use a lot of packaged gravy and sauce mixes and creamy soups. There's a big chunk of my pantry gone. Was also big on Wondra quick-mixing flour for gravy.

I bought "Better Than Bullion" a few years ago and found it hard to use: Sticky and apparently a melting point above lead. Will have to shop outside my comfort zone to find this brand.

More recently I've been making big batches of vegetable soup. These started as jazzing up ramen, then leaving the noodles out. Old dog new tricks- the last batch really put a hurt on me: Who knew Soy sauce and teriyaki had wheat in them? Everyone who remembers to check the labels. 

[Eldene]

On 1/15/2024 at 6:04 AM, Wheatwacked said:

Additional likely deficiencies and what I take to boost my intake (I get anorexic at the drop of a hat so I take them to keep me stable):  the ones that helped me the most noticibly are vitamin D, Thiamine, Choline, and Iodine.

• 10,000 IU vitamin D to control autoimmune, improve mood, especially the winter doldrums (Seasonal Affective Disorder), bone and dental health.  Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought: A Historical and an Up-to-Date Perspective
• 500 mg Thiamine - neurologic symptoms, carbohydrate metabolism, subclinical beri-beri.
• Choline 500 mg - essential for fat digestion, gall bladder, liver, brain fog, cell membranes, prevent congenital spinal defects.   Could we be overlooking a potential choline crisis in the United Kingdom?
• Iodine – speeds up healing, muscle tone, brain fog, hair and skin, thyroid. 10 drops of Strong Iodine has 500 micrograms of elemental Iodine. Nori and Kelp. For some people with Dermetitis Herpetiformus, iodine can exasperate the rash.
• Iodine for Hormonal Health "Your ovaries also need iodine and without enough their structure changes. Iodine-deficient women can produce ovarian cysts and are at risk of developing PCOS."
• Vitamin B2 helps break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It plays a vital role in maintaining the body's energy supply. 
• 500 mg Nicotinic Acid - increase capillary blood flow, lower cholesterol.  Niacin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
• 500 mg Pantothenic Acid - creates energy from glucose Krebs Cycle
• 1000 mcg B12 - creates hemoglobin for oxygen transport
• 500 mg Taurine - essential amino acid, a powerful antioxident that we make indogenously, but not enough when sickness increases inflammation. reduces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS are are free radicals.).
• I've been using Zinc Glyconate (Cold-Eeze) since 2004 anytime I feel an itchy throat or other sign of air borne virus coming on.  I haven't had cold or flue, including Covid 19, since.
• Naturally fermented dill pickles (not vinegar quick pickles) reestablished lactobacillus in my gut and reversed my recently acquired lactose intolerance.  100% grass fed dairy is less inflammatory. Milk is a good source of iodine.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Vegetables  Eating more of the vegetables low in omega six and high omega 3 can reduce inflammation while increasing vitamin and mineral intake..  The target omega 6:3 ratio is less than 3:1.  The typical western diet is from 14:1 to 20:1 because of our food choices.

I get most of them from PipingRock.com.  Cheap, Non GMO and Gluten Free.

Where is PipingRock.com? I am looking for a one-in-all gluten free ànd vegan food supplement in South Africa? Pensioner.....

[Wheatwacked]

They are in the US but ship to 160 countries including South Africa. https://pipingrock.com/ 

[Neelhtak]

Was just recently diagnosed (confirmed w/ endoscopy by gastro) with celiac disease. Simply told to eat gluten-free. I followed up with my primary care physician and asked for some blood work to be run and my ferritin (iron reserves) was 10 L with a reference range of 16-154 ng/mL.  My PCP said to take a pre-natal gummy and then I called my gastro and he said to take an over the counter iron pill.  Being newly diagnosed Celiac Disease I have absorption issues in my small intestine, so will this iron even get into my system?  From what I've read online, if you have celiac disease you'd require an iron infusion.  Seems to make sense to me. Any input would be greatly appreciated.        

[trents]

Absorption for newly diagnosed celiacs is compromised but not totally absent. Iron supplements are absorbed better in an acidic environment so take vitamin c along with the iron. Try oral iron first and see if you respond. If not, then you can look at infusion. Iron assimilation can be a complex thing dependent on several factors. I would also take some high doses of sublingual B12 along with the oral iron as B12 is necessary for iron assimilation. Your docs are not going to get excited enough to order iron infusions until your levels get lower than what yours are I'm thinking.

Edited March 12, 2024 by trents

[Scott Adams]

It would probably make sense to start out with your doctor's recommendation, and be sure any meds and supplements you take are gluten-free, and the get a follow up test for your iron level in a few months. Most people can still absorb iron if they take a supplement, but it is possible you could require an infusion if your levels don't increase over that time.

[Maura195]

Glutathione shot/jab?

Took a long time to be diagnosed (2 years ago). I  recently had bad glutening experiences over last 2 months. Severe vitamin/mineral deficiencies. I was back to the start.

i have new functional medicine Dr.  She ran extensive blood tests thru Genova company. I was much more malnourished then I realized. I wasn’t absorbing many of my supplements.

The dr is recommending I get a glutathione shot to boost my system.  Any of you Celiacs try this shot? Did you feel it helped strengthen your system? Change your ability to heal and absorb vitamins/minerals?

any side effects?

Maura

[trents]

https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/glutathione-benefits

"Taking glutathione supplements isn't an evidence-backed way to improve your health. While there's no question that glutathione produced by the body has a number of health benefits, the benefits of glutathione supplements are not established."

[Wheatwacked]

You should be concened about vitamin D, Choline, Iodine and B1 to start.

Choline can be metabolized into methionine, which may then be converted into glutathione through S-adenosyl-l-methionine. Choline-related compounds may also improve glutathione redox balance in children with cystic fibrosis. CDP-choline has been shown to increase glutathione levels, glutathione reductase activity, and decrease oxidized glutathione.

• 42% of US are vitamin D deficient.
• 90% are below the RDA for Choline.
• U.S. dietary iodine intakes have decreased by 50% since the 1970s, and recently, mild iodine deficiency has reemerged in some population groups.
• celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, can cause thiamine deficiency, also known as beriberi.