codex wheat starch
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition caused by an intolerance to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. All people with coeliac disease are intolerant to gluten and therefore require a gluten free diet to help the small intestine recover and absorb nutrients from foods normally again.A number of gluten free foods contain Codex wheat starch, which has had the gluten washed out to a trace level so is considered safe for people with coeliac disease. These foods are gluten free but not wheat free. Some gluten free food manufacturers will use codex wheat starch in certain products to improve the taste and texture of the foods, for example in the production of gluten free breads and flour mixes such as the Glutafin select range available on prescription. In order for these products containing Codex wheat starch to be labelled as ‘gluten free’ they need to comply with the threshold level of 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to do so, as set out in the Codex Standard for gluten free foods and the European regulation.
Other Codex wheat starch products can contain between 21-100ppm of gluten and have to be labelled as ‘very low gluten’ as set out in the Codex Standard and European Regulation. This is the second group and a very small minority of individuals who are particularly sensitive may still experience a problem if they eat these foods on a regular basis.
With the new threshold level, people with coeliac disease should be able to eat gluten free foods (i.e 20ppm or less) in unlimited amounts. This includes products containing codex wheat starch, which meet these criteria, and should no longer cause a problem for even sensitive patients. However, this should be on the advice of a Healthcare Professional such as a dietitian or gastroenterologist.
All DS-gluten free products are wheat free and do not contain codex wheat starch but if you would like a list of gluten free foods containing codex wheat starch please contact Coeliac UK.
What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition brought on by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye*.
Is coeliac disease genetic? There is a genetic element to coeliac disease which makes certain individuals more susceptible to the condition than others.
What is dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition caused by an intolerance to gluten and is considered as the skin ‘symptom’ of coeliac disease.
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease? Coeliac disease has a wide range of symptoms but if you are at all affected by tiredness, anaemia, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and mouth ulcers then this may be an indication that you have coeliac disease.
How do I get diagnosed with coeliac disease? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm diagnosis.
What is the treatment for coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a life long condition, treated by excluding gluten from your diet. With this treatment, you should feel better in a short space of time and remain so for the rest of your life.
Support for those living with coeliac disease For those people who have been diagnosed and don’t have a friend or family member suffering coeliac disease it can be quite scary.
Coeliac disease and osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a thinning of bones which makes them more fragile and prone to breaking following a small fall or bump.
Coeliac disease and diabetes There is a proven link between type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, with people with type 1 diabetes being more likely to develop a sensitivity to gluten.
Coeliac disease and pregnancy Pregnancy is an important time during which women with coeliac disease should be regularly followed up.
