There is some dangerous misinformation in Cabel McElderry’s otherwise excellent article on the benefits of oats (Oatmeal, possibly the world’s greatest food, Page B2, Red Deer Advocate, May 2). Commercial oats — even those labeled ‘pure’ — always contain other grains and are not safe for people who must follow a gluten-free diet.
There is certainly no disputing the health benefits of oats, but those with celiac disease, following by necessity a strict, gluten-free diet for life, breakfast is not quite as simple as whipping up a bowl of oatmeal. The one per cent of Canadians with celiac disease must purchase ‘uncontaminated’ oats. Several Canadian companies produce such oats.
Celiacs must be vigilant, as ingestion of gluten (even such small amounts as the cross-contamination within regular oats) can result in an increased risk of osteoporosis, anemia, certain cancers of the gut, and infertility.
For more information about the Canadian Celiac Association’s scientific research on oats with the gluten-free diet, please visit www.celiac.ca. You’ll also find there a link to Health Canada’s statement on the safety of oats for those with celiac disease.
Mark Johnson
National Secretary
Canadian Celiac Association
Ottawa