In an age where we expect quality and safety from the products we purchase, it may come as a shock that health supplements and vitamins may not always be as trustworthy as they seem. This is especially troubling for those who suffer from food-related health problems or adverse reactions to certain ingredients. For example, if you struggle with gluten intolerance or similar digestive issues, you might reach for probiotic supplements to aid with intestinal health. However, researchers at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University Medical Center have a word of caution for you.
Upon testing 22 top-selling probiotic supplements, they discovered that 12 of them were contaminated with gluten, despite being labeled as gluten-free. This is not only concerning for those who cannot tolerate gluten, but also for individuals with other food sensitivities and allergies that range from mild to life-threatening. So, how did this happen, and how can it possibly be avoided in the future?
The researchers were initially prompted to test the supplements due to an increase in celiac-related symptoms, such as stomach aches, diarrhea, and rashes, amongst patients who also took supplements. The question remains: why should gluten be found in these products at all, and how can we trust any gluten-free labeling?
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken no action, as they believe the amount of gluten in probiotic supplements is too small to cause significant harm. However, the study showed that four of the probiotic brands contained more than 20 parts per million of gluten, which is in violation of FDA rules.
Listen to Your Body
Taking all of this into consideration, it’s essential to listen to your body when it comes to questionable foods or supplements. If you react poorly to a product, don’t force yourself to keep consuming it, even if experts insist it’s good for you. The best course of action, especially for those with severe allergies or sensitivities, is to seek out probiotics, vitamins, and minerals from safe, whole food sources.
Always be cautious of gluten-free labeling, and consider choosing probiotic foods as a safer alternative to supplements. Some options include sauerkraut, sour pickles, and pickle juice. If you do not have any dairy allergies, yogurt and kefir are also great choices for healthy probiotic bacteria. For those seeking a hot meal, traditional miso soup is packed with probiotics, as is the Korean dish known as kimchi. Just double-check that the miso is made with gluten-free ingredients, as it’s not always the case.
The main takeaway here is that it’s important to remain vigilant in protecting your health. Rather than simply trusting labels, pay attention to how you feel when taking supplements and consuming new or specific foods. Ultimately, your body knows what’s best for it. Embrace whole food sources of probiotics and other nutrients whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to proceed with caution when using health supplements.
