Shortly after the diagnosis of coeliac disease, you need to be extra careful to ensure you have a nutritionally adequate diet, as you may have been suffering from malabsorption of nutrients. Protein Some gluten-free flours are low in protein , because they have had the gluten removed, which is itself a protein. Specially manufactured, prescribed gluten-free flours usually have milk protein added. Make sure some protein is included in each meal, and practice protein complementation with the vegetable proteins, for example, combine a nut or pulse dish with a suitable cereal. Protein is especially important to a growing child , it is essential to seek the advice of your dietitian if you are bringing up a child on a gluten-free vegetarian or vegan diet.
Anaemia Following diagnosis, many coeliacs sufferers are anaemic.
This is usually due to iron deficiency, although it could also be due to folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. Your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement for you until your digestive system is back to normal and can absorb iron again. To ensure a good intake of iron include pulses , lentils, nuts and green vegetables daily in your diet. You could try a natural iron supplement such as Floridix, which is available at most health food shops. If you are already a vegetarian or vegan and are advised to follow a gluten-free diet, you do not need to abandon your vegetarianism.