At a glance:
- Gluten is found in the cereals; wheat, barley and rye
- Gluten is found in foods like bread, pasta, cereals, flour, cakes and biscuits. It can also be found in processed foods such as soups, sauces and ready meals
- Gluten will only cause a problem if you eat it; it cannot be absorbed through the skin
What is gluten?
It’s important to know which foods contain gluten and which foods you should check when you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, or a gluten related condition. You also need to know what the safe level of gluten is.
Gluten is a protein found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. Some people also react to a similar protein, called avenin, found in oats. The most obvious sources of gluten are:
- Bread
- Pasta
- Breakfast cereals
- Flour
- Pastry
- Pizza bases
- Cakes and biscuits
- Soups and sauces
- Ready meals
- Sausages
Gluten in non-food items
Cosmetics
It is unlikely that you would swallow enough lip balm or lipstick to cause a problem. If you’re concerned then you should contact the manufacturers directly about specific products.
It is possible to be sensitive to ingredients used in cosmetics, but this has nothing to do with coeliac disease specifically. If you experience skin irritation when using any cosmetics, discontinue use and visit your GP.
Gum on envelopes
The Post Office and envelope manufacturers have assured us that the gum used on envelopes and stamps is gluten free and safe for people following a gluten free diet.
Toothpaste
We are not aware of any toothpaste that contains gluten.
Gluten only causes a problem for people with coeliac disease if it is eaten. Even if toothpaste did contain gluten, it would be very unlikely that you would swallow enough of it to cause a reaction.
If you have concerns about toothpaste, we’d recommend that you check the ingredients list and contact the manufacturers directly.
