If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, following a gluten-free diet is essential. If you take any vitamins or other supplements, they need to be gluten-free as well. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and any derivatives of these foods. Elyse Krawtz, RDN, CSOWM, LD, CLT, suggests gluten can hide in supplements in ingredients such as fibers, beta-glucans, starch, modified starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, and other various fillers, coatings, binders, and thickeners.
While you can (and should) scrutinize supplement ingredient lists to make sure they don’t include any problematic ingredients, there is always a chance that a supplement might have been cross-contaminated with gluten at the manufacturer. For these reasons, it’s wise to choose supplements that are certified gluten-free by a third-party organization such as NSF International, Certified Gluten-Free Organization (CGFO), or BRC Global Standards, because they do this work for you, by checking to be sure there hasn’t been any cross-contamination with gluten, at both the ingredient and the manufacturing levels.
Just as with other supplements, you should consider the form, dose, and other ingredients when choosing a supplement.
Editor’s Note
Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Medical Expert Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy. Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and which dosage to take.
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Country Life
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Certified gluten-free (GFCO)
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NSF certified facility
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Non-GMO, USDA organic, and vegan products
Key Specs:
Forms: Capsules, gummies, liquid, spray, powders | Gluten-Free Certifications: Certified gluten-free | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: Some products
Who’s It For
This brand is best for those who want a wide range of supplement options that are free of many artificial colors, sweeteners, and additives.
Why We Recommend It
Country Life is a pioneer in gluten-free supplements. It is one of the first brands to be certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), meaning it contains no more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, half the standard the FDA requires (20 ppm). Every single product (and their entire facility) is gluten-free.
Country Life is a USDA organic manufacturer. This doesn’t mean that all of their products are certified organic, but it does mean they are qualified to manufacture certified organic products. They produce many certified organic products that will have the certified organic seal on the product label. Their main facility is also registered as NSF-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
They offer over 200 supplements, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fish oils, amino acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and more. Many of their products are also certified vegan, Kosher, and Halal. They come in capsules, chewables, gummies, liquids, lozenges, powders, softgels, and sprays.
Their products are free from artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives, as well as corn, yeast, soy, milk, and salt. As a certified B-corp, they prioritize sustainability for both the environment and their people. In addition, their packaging boxes are made from recycled paperboard.
Things To Consider
Unfortunately, this company doesn’t offer a prenatal vitamin. If you are looking for a gluten-free prenatal, we recommend Ritual Prenatal.
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Amazon
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NSF gluten-free certified
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Carbon neutral company
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Organic, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO products
Key Specs:
Forms: Capsules, gummies, liquid, spray, powders | Gluten-Free Certifications: NSF gluten-free and Certified gluten-free | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: Some products
Who’s It For
This is best for anyone who wants a third-party tested product from a company that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint.
Why We Recommend It
Garden of Life has different brands under its supplement line, many of which are gluten-free. The company prioritizes third-party certifications, including two different gluten-free certifications: NSF-certified gluten-free and Certified gluten-free by GFCO. “This ensures that the company has a gluten-free compliance plan and conducts site inspections of its production and handling facilities. During this process, accredited inspectors test to make sure that the products contain 20 parts per million or less of gluten,” notes Amy Gorin, MS, RDN.
In addition to its gluten-free offerings, Garden of Life has 18 different third-party certifications to ensure the highest quality ingredients and those that meet specific dietary, religious, athletic, and sustainability needs. Many of their products are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, certified vegan, NSF Certified for Sport, and certified cruelty-free. The company is also committed to sustainability and, as of 2021, has earned the carbon-neutral certification as it is carbon-free on both a brand and product level.
They offer a wide range of supplements, from vitamins and minerals to herbs, protein powders, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, which come in capsule, gummy, liquid, spray, and powder forms.
Things To Consider
Many of the Garden of Life products have some additional digestive enzymes, herbs, or probiotics that may be unnecessary or even problematic for some people. If you’re considering one of their products, review the label carefully and check with your healthcare provider to ensure the ingredients are safe for you.
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New Chapter
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Many products are NSF certified gluten-free
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Certified B-corp
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Many vegan, organic, and non-GMO products
Key Specs:
Forms: Capsules, tablets, gummies | Gluten-Free Certifications: NSF gluten-free | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: Some products
Who’s It For
Best for those who are looking for supplements beyond the basics, such as mushrooms, herbs, and more.
Why We Recommend It
New Chapter is a supplement brand that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and third-party verifications. Over 75 of their products are NSF-certified gluten-free, including many vitamins and minerals that people with celiac disease are more likely to be deficient in, such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Many are also NSF Contents Certified—a rigorous third-party certification ensuring the safety of the ingredients—as well as USDA organic, certified vegan, and non-GMO project verified, among other third-party certifications.
They offer vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, mushrooms, and fish oil in capsules, tablets, and gummies. Many of their products include fermented vitamins and minerals, which New Chapter claims may enhance absorption, though there is not strong research to support this.
Things To Consider
Many of the New Chapter products are combination products, meaning they include multiple vitamins and minerals. This may be helpful for those who have more than one nutrient deficiency. However, it is something to be aware of if you are taking other medications that could interact with certain nutrients.
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Amazon
Key Specs:
Forms: Many | Gluten-Free Certifications: Certified gluten-free | Organic: no | Non-GMO: Some products
Who’s It For
Best for people who have other food allergies in addition to gluten.
Why We Recommend It
Known for their quality supplements that are allergen-friendly, Pure Encapsulations products are a good choice for anyone needing to avoid gluten. They offer over 300 gluten-free supplements, verified by Certified Gluten-Free Organization, and many are free from peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, dairy, and artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
You’ll find an extensive product list available in nearly every form, including capsules, soft gels, liquids, chewables, powders, gummies, and lozenges; there is a product to meet almost any nutrient need.
Things To Consider
Some products require refrigeration, which may not be convenient. You’ll want to read the nutrition label for the added sugar or sugar alcohol content of gummies and chewables and make sure this suits your needs.
A few of their supplements contain mega doses of nutrients, so it’s important to always be aware of tolerable upper intake levels (UL) as established by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and ensure you’re choosing a safe dose for you.
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MegaFood
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Many products are NSF-certified gluten-free
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Made from whole foods
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Organic, Non-GMO, and vegan
Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, gummy, powder, tablet | Gluten-Free Certifications: NSF certified gluten-free | Organic: Yes | Non-GMO: Yes
Who’s It For
Best for those who want supplements without the pesticide residue of glyphosate or want a supplement free of the top nine food allergens.
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a supplement made from whole foods and is gluten-free, MegaFood fits the bill. They offer a wide variety of supplements, from multivitamins, including prenatal, postnatal, and kids options, to individual nutrients and some herbal supplements. Look for the NSF gluten-free logo on the supplement bottle, which you’ll find on over 40 of their supplements.
MegaFood prioritizes sourcing quality ingredients that are vegan, non-GMO, USDA organic, kosher, and glyphosate-free. Glyphosate is a common herbicide, and its health risks have come into question. There are some claims that it may increase the risk of cancer and affect your kidney, liver, and reproductive system, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found no concern for human health as long as glyphosate is used as recommended.
Many supplements are also made without the top nine allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs, and sesame). Look for the one made without nine food allergen labels on the bottle.
Things To Consider
Some of their products contain additional nutrients, enzymes, or probiotics that may be unnecessary for you. If you do choose MegaFood, read the entire ingredient list to ensure that every ingredient is safe for you since there are nutrients (including those that are derived from whole food) that can interact with medications or make certain medical conditions worse.
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Amazon
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Many products NSF certified
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Rigorous gluten-free protocol
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Extensive line of supplements
Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, gel-cap, liquid, powder, tablet | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: No | Non-GMO: No
Who’s It For
Best for athletes who want to ensure their supplements are free from any banned ingredients for athletic competitions.
Why We Recommend It
Thorne is known in the supplement industry for their quality supplements. Many of Thorne’s products are NSF Contents Certified or NSF Certified for Sport, two third-party certifications that ensure the accuracy of labels and that a supplement doesn’t have any harmful contaminants. While Thorne products are not certified gluten-free by one of our recommended organizations, Thorne has a very rigorous testing process, including lab testing, to ensure any products that are labeled gluten-free are, in fact, gluten-free.
Thorne’s extensive product line includes vitamins and minerals, protein powders, adaptogenic herbs, probiotics, and other combination products. If you need a gluten-free supplement, it’s important to review individual supplement labels to ensure the one you want is gluten-free.
Things To Consider
Be mindful about dosing and the types of supplements you choose, as some of the products contain mega doses or ingredients that may interact with certain medications or even worsen the symptoms of some conditions.
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Amazon
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Extensive in-house testing for quality and safety
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Wide gluten-free product line
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Many organic and vegan options
Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, tablet, powder | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: Yes | Non-GMO: Yes
Who’s It For
Best if you want a brand that is committed to sustainability through water conservation and carbon footprint reduction.
Why We Recommend It
Over 150 of the products made by Standard Process are gluten-free. These include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbal blends, protein bars, and more. Standard Process is committed to producing high-quality supplements, and the majority of them are made from ingredients grown on their certified organic farm. They also take sustainability seriously, with commitments to composting, water conservation, carbon footprint reductions, and more.
Standard Process has extensive in-house quality and safety testing protocols to ensure that the supplement package matches the label and doesn’t contain harmful contaminants. Their gluten-free product line meets FDA standards for less than 20 ppm of gluten and is tested each time it is processed to ensure it meets those requirements.
Things To Consider
Because not every product is gluten-free, be sure to read labels to ensure the product is indeed gluten-free.
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Walmart
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Contain added sugar
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Only multivitamins
Key Specs:
Forms: Gummy, capsules | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: No
Who’s It For
Best for anyone who doesn’t like swallowing pills and wants a gluten-free multivitamin. It can also be used by a variety of ages, from toddlers to older adults.
Why We Recommend It
For those who prefer a gummy gluten-free vitamin, SmartyPants vitamins are a great choice. They make a variety of vitamin and probiotic supplements to support young kids through adulthood, including pregnancy. All of their supplements are third-party tested to ensure they are free of the top nine food allergens, including being gluten-free.
Their line is focused on a combination of vitamins and minerals rather than individual ingredients, which makes it convenient if you’re looking to buy one product. We love the flavor and texture of this supplement, which makes it easy to remember to take.
Things To Consider
Since their products are not certified gluten-free, it’s important to review labels and check with the company to ensure a product is safe for you.
Smarty Pants gummies do contain some added sugar, so be mindful of how that fits into your total daily intake.
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Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, tablet, gummy, chewable, softgel, liquid | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: No | Non-GMO: No
Who’s It For
Best option if you want a quality product without spending a lot of money on supplements.
Why We Recommend It
Nature Made is a well-known supplement brand that offers quality supplements at an affordable price. Their product line ranges from vitamins and minerals to sleep aids and antioxidants.
We especially like that all Nature Made products are USP verified, a third-party testing agency that ensures they contain what the label says and don’t have any harmful contaminants.
Things to Consider
Many of their products are gluten-free, though it’s important to check labels and reach out to the company to ensure a product is safe for you since they are not certified gluten-free by a third-party organization.
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Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, powder | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: No | Non-GMO: Yes
Who’s It For
If you need a protein powder, supplement, or multivitamin focused on women’s health, this option is ideal.
Why We Recommend It
Ritual values the transparency of ingredients, and it shares ingredient sourcing information publicly. All of their products are third-party tested for heavy metal contamination, allergens, gluten, microbes, and other contaminants. They also test each batch for purity and accuracy to ensure what’s on the label is in the bottle.
Their line of supplements includes multivitamins for kids, men, and women, as well as prenatal, protein powders, pre-and probiotics, and more. All of their products are non-GMO, vegan, and don’t contain artificial colors. Ritual is also a Certified B-corporation and has made several sustainability commitments to reduce its carbon footprint.
Things To Consider
The multivitamins may be missing key nutrients for some people, so it’s important to read labels to ensure they meet your individual needs. For example, the 18+ multivitamin is limited to only a few vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, B12, and omega-3s, which most people don’t get enough of in their diet.
Who Should or Shouldn’t Take Gluten-Free Supplements?
Gluten-free supplements are beneficial for those who need to take them and have celiac disease or gluten intolerance/sensitivity. However, supplements are not used to treat these allergies and intolerances—the primary treatment is to avoid anything containing gluten.
The following may benefit from supplements to close nutrient gaps in the diet.
- People with celiac disease. Celiac disease affects the mucosal lining of the small intestine, which is where many micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are absorbed. Because of this, celiac disease can result in nutrient deficiencies. In addition, many gluten-free grain products lack the vitamins and minerals, further exacerbating the potential for nutrient deficiencies.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people. When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your nutrient needs are higher, and supplements are often recommended to support those elevated needs. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it’s essential you choose prenatal supplements that are gluten-free.
- People with a diagnosed nutrient deficiency and gluten intolerance. It’s estimated that nearly one-third of the United States population has a nutrient deficiency. This may be related to dietary intake, increased needs, or an underlying medical condition. Supplements can be helpful in this case, and if you are intolerant or sensitive to gluten, choosing a gluten-free supplement is necessary.
If you eat a varied diet, it’s unlikely you need to take a supplement unless you have a known nutrient deficiency or elevated needs. However, many people may benefit from specific supplements or multivitamins depending on their life stages, dietary patterns, health conditions, and medications.
When it comes to gluten-free supplements specifically, there is no harm in taking one, even if you don’t have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, because the process of getting certified as gluten-free is a financial investment for companies, some gluten-free supplements may be more expensive and are not necessary for those who do not have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
How We Select Supplements
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.
We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products.
It’s important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.
When selecting the best gluten-free vitamin brands, we focused on:
- Variety: We considered the range of products offered by each brand, meaning they offer multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, individual ingredient supplements, and more.
- Dosage: We looked at different vitamins and supplements offered by each brand to ensure the dosage was within appropriate limits. You will want to make sure these doses also work with your overall food and supplement intake.
- Certifications: We paid special attention to brands including a certified gluten-free logo, but also included others that are heavily third-party tested.
What to Look For in Gluten-Free Vitamin Brands
Third-Party Testing
Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested for purity and potency to ensure they contain what they say they contain and do not contain any potential contaminants. Trusted third-party certifications include ConsumerLab.com, NSF, USP, and Informed Choice. However, these certifications can be difficult to obtain and expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested. If you are selecting a supplement that does not have third-party testing, we recommend choosing a trusted brand that does rigorous internal testing.
When it comes to choosing gluten-free supplements, it’s wise to opt for third-party tested options to ensure that the supplement is made without gluten-containing ingredients and that there hasn’t been any cross-contamination at both the ingredient and manufacturer levels. Look for either the Certified Gluten-Free logo or the NSF Gluten-Free logo. You can also search for NSF certified products or those verified by the gluten-free certification on their individual websites.
There are many brands, including some in this roundup, that make quality gluten-free products that aren’t third-party tested. If you’re choosing a brand that isn’t certified gluten-free, review labels and check with the company to ensure it’s safe for you. “I often search in the ‘FAQ’ section or will reach out to a company directly to ask on behalf of my patients and instruct patients to do the same,” says Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, CDN, who works with many patients with celiac disease.
Form
Gluten-free supplements come in various forms, including capsule, tablet, soft gel, liquid, chewable, gummy, powder, and spray form. Gummies, chewables, powders, liquid, or sprays may be helpful to those who have trouble swallowing pills. Some of these products contain added sugar, and others may require refrigeration. The best form for you is the one you will take regularly.
Ingredients & Potential Interactions
It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you or your child is taking.
Herbs, enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants: Some vitamin brands include additional ingredients in their vitamin and mineral supplements. These ingredients can interact with medications and potentially make some medical conditions worse. They may also lead to unwanted side effects. Always check with a healthcare provider to determine if a product and its ingredients are safe for you.
Sugars: Some vitamins, especially gummies, chewables, and some liquids, contain added sugars to make the product more palatable. The World Health Organization recommends adults limit added sugar intake to less than 10 percent of total energy (about 50 grams (g) of added sugar for someone eating 2,000 calories per day), though the American Heart Association recommends half that for women (25g/day) and about 70 percent of that (36g) for men. The amount of sugar in vitamins is typically very small, but worth considering in the context of your overall diet, particularly if you have a condition that requires closer monitoring of added sugar intake, such as those with diabetes.
Gluten-Free Supplement Dosage
Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to understand which dosage to take.
The amount you need will vary by which vitamin, mineral, or other type of supplement you are taking. Vitamins and minerals have a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake level (AI), and many have a tolerable upper limit (UL), which you can find via the National Institutes of Health.
Other supplements such as herbs, probiotics, antioxidants, and enzymes may not have established doses, so it’s important you work with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount for you.
How Much To Take?
It’s important to ensure that you aren’t taking more of any individual nutrient than the Tolerable Upper intake level (UL) established by the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Some nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins A,D, E, and K can be stored in fat tissue and can be dangerous in excess. Minerals such as iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, copper, molybdenum, and manganese can lead to serious side effects if consumed in excess.
Whether it’s a multivitamin or an individual nutrient, you can ensure your supplement does not exceed those upper limits by running your supplement by a healthcare provider.
Our Experts
We also spoke with experts to discuss what to look for in gluten-free vitamins. The experts we spoke to included:
- Elyse Krawtz, RDN, CSOWM, LD, CLT, a registered dietitian specializing in gut health, immunology, and weight management.
- Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian focused on plant-based nutrition and weight management.
- Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, CDN, a New York City-based registered dietitian specializing in digestive health and works with many patients with celiac disease.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Sarah Anzlovar, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian with her master’s degree in nutrition communication from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She owns a private practice in the suburbs of Boston, where she helps her clients ditch diets and learn to eat foods that help them feel their best and achieve optimal health. Sarah is also a freelance writer, where she lends her expertise in translating the research on a wide variety of nutrition topics into relatable and approachable recommendations for consumers.
This article was originally published by a www.verywellhealth.com . Read the Original article here. .