List of Ingredients That May Contain Gluten (Including in Vitamins and Supplements)
When managing gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it’s important to be vigilant not only with food but also with hidden sources of gluten. Gluten can be found in processed foods, sauces, medications, vitamins, and supplements. Below is a comprehensive list of ingredients that may contain gluten, as well as tips for identifying hidden sources.
Common Ingredients That Contain Gluten
Wheat-Derived Ingredients:
Wheat starch
Wheat flour
Whole wheat
Enriched flour
Durum wheat
Semolina
Farina
Graham flour
Spelt
Kamut
Einkorn
Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
Barley-Derived Ingredients:
Barley malt
Barley flour
Malt extract
Malt syrup
Malt vinegar
Malted milk
Barley-based flavoring
Rye-Derived Ingredients:
Rye flour
Rye bread
Pumpernickel
Rye-based products or flavoring
Oats (Unless Certified Gluten-Free):
Oat flour
Oatmeal (non-certified gluten-free)
Contaminated oats (processed in facilities with gluten-containing grains)
Other Gluten Sources in Food:
Seitan (made from wheat gluten)
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Modified food starch (if derived from wheat)
Brewer’s yeast (if derived from beer brewing)
Soy sauce (check for wheat-based varieties)
Marinades and dressings containing wheat or malt
Hidden Sources of Gluten in Vitamins and Supplements
Gluten can also be found as a filler, binder, or coating in non-food items like vitamins, supplements, and medications. Look out for the following ingredients:
Starch-Based Fillers:
Modified starch (if wheat-derived)
Pregelatinized starch
Dextrin (if wheat-derived)
Maltodextrin (check if wheat-derived)
Binders and Stabilizers:
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
Malted ingredients (malt extract, malt syrup)
Coatings:
Certain tablet coatings (may use gluten as a binding agent)
Dusting powders for pills/tabs (wheat starch may be used in manufacturing)
Flavorings and Colorings:
Artificial flavoring (check for malt or barley-derived additives)
Caramel color (can be derived from malted barley)
How to Avoid Gluten in Vitamins and Supplements
Check Labels Carefully:
Look for “gluten-free” certification on the packaging.
Avoid products where the source of ingredients like starch or maltodextrin is not specified.
Ask the Manufacturer:
Call or email the manufacturer to confirm whether a product is gluten-free.
Choose Certified Gluten-Free Products:
Many brands now offer gluten-free vitamins and supplements. Look for certifications from trusted organizations.
Consult Your Doctor or Pharmacist:
Some medications and supplements may have gluten-containing fillers. Ask your healthcare provider for gluten-free alternatives.
Other Ingredients to Watch for in Processed Foods (Potential Gluten Sources):
Bouillon cubes
Gravies and sauces thickened with wheat flour
Imitation meats or seafood
Beer, ale, and malt beverages
Candy (some may use wheat starch or barley malt)
Processed meats (e.g., sausages, meatballs using breadcrumbs)
Battered or breaded foods
Ice cream (if it contains cookie or malt add-ins)
By carefully reading ingredient labels, consulting manufacturers, and opting for certified gluten-free products, you can minimize exposure to gluten in your diet, medications, and supplements.
Beautiful but inside hides gluten.
Comments