Are oats ok for a gluten-free diet?

[PixieElv]

Hello there

I’m hypothyroid and gluten-free because it helps with absorption of Levothyroxine (I’m not coeliac).

I’ve been avoiding oats but I’ve now read oats are ok?

What are people’s thoughts/experiences?

Thank you

[radd]

PixieElv,

Some oats are produced alongside other glutenous grains so may become contaminated unless specified as ‘gluten- free’.

Some Hashi sufferers can eat gluten -free oats but others have to avoid as it’s the avenin, which is a protein similar to gluten. And then others have to avoid all grains.

[Anthea55]

I was tested for food intolerances several years ago before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Oats and wheat were top of my list, but I wasn't found to be coeliac. I avoid free-from foods which contain gluten free oats as I'm sensitive to the oats, not the gluten. Since then I've also found I'm sensitive to potato so I do a lot of label reading as potato starch is often put into gluten free food. I think you'll have to decide for yourself.

[radd in reply to Anthea55]

Anthes55,

Potatoes are a nightshade that some are intolerant to. Its a case of anatabine v solanine.

[Anthea55 in reply to radd]

Thanks Radd, I realise that potatoes are a nightshade along with tomatoes etc. but the question was about oats.

It would be really helpful if potatoes were included in the list of foods to be highlighted on labels. It's surprising how often I meet other people who are sensitive to potatoes. Fortunately sweet potatoes are not in the nightshade family.

[Partner20 in reply to Anthea55]

Food ingredients are highlighted because they can cause a reaction, possibly needing medical intervention, due to allergy or intolerance such as gluten, egg, nuts and lactose. If highlighting were done for possible food sensitivities, then all ingredients would have to be listed!

[Anthea55 in reply to Partner20]

You have a point, Partner20. I probably use the terms 'intolerance' and 'food sensitivity' to mean the same thing.

[nellie237]

In your shoes I think I would re-introduce them slowly, and if no adverse reaction.....enjoy. 😊

[Jazzw]

If you’re going to give it a go I’d advise seeking out gluten free oats. If you don’t, and you have a reaction, you won’t know whether it’s the oats or cross contamination.

Most supermarkets do them—they can be found in the “free from” aisle.

[Lulu2607]

Hi. I am gluten free, not celiac and take oats no problem. I've tried both gluten free and ordinary ones and haven't noticed any difference. As others say though, it may be down to your own reactions.

[CoeliacMum1]

So as far as I’m aware unless new data about, oats are fine for coeliacs or those on a gluten free diet only when specified that they are gluten free due to cross contamination in milling.However some coeliacs do react to the protein avenin in oats as they would gliadins in gluten cereals.

And likewise some people have just sensitivity to oats like can anything.

When I was first diagnosed with coeliac disease I had to omit them for 6-12 months.

I have no idea if this is common practice now when diagnosed as I was diagnosed nearly 10yrs and my levels were extreme and not shifting regardless of a very strict diet, but got a negative results 2yrs on and have been ever since.

I eat porridge frequently and I also have hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s PA and coeliac disease.

I take Levothyroxine & at present Liothyronine.

Hope that helps.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I use oats - I always buy GF oats and I only use them if I make flapjacks or crumble which I only do every now and again so I don’t eat masses of them.I wasn’t tested and it’s too late now because I don’t want to start eating gluten just too find out.

Being totally gluten free since about 2015 has made a massive difference to my IBS and I’ve always used GF oats. I’ve got a friend who is coeliac and is fine with oats.

Think you’ve just got to see how it goes for you - some folk are ok others are not.

[Angel_of_the_North]

I'm not coeliac, but I can't eat oats. If I touch oats I come out in a rash and start sneezing. Been the same since I was a child. So no way to be sure, just have to see how it goes

[Popoff]

The short answer to your question is normal Oats may OK but it is possible that they contain traces of gluten from the milling process, hence if this is important, it is safer to buy the gluten free ones. I hope that this helps.

[PixieElv in reply to Popoff]

That’s really helpful. As I am not allergic or a coeliac, but doing it to aid the absorption of Levothyroxine, normal oats should be ok for me

[topaz1]

I have Hashi's and love porridge oats for breakfast. My Naturopath advised me to soak the oats overnight then rinse and cook them. Might be worth a try for you?

[PixieElv in reply to topaz1]

Hi Topaz1 Are they GF free oats or normal?

Thank you

[topaz1 in reply to PixieElv]

Always GF

[Imaaan]

I've been on a gf diet for a few years, have hypothyroidism and eat oats everday.

[PixieElv in reply to Imaaan]

Thank you. Are they GF or normal oats? And do you struggle with absorption of Levo?

[Imaaan in reply to PixieElv]

I did the gf oats for a bit and then just went back to regular packaged oats. It didnt make an iota of a difference symptoms wise. I've never had issues absorbing my levo thank God. My problem is more a conversion issue. I've always waited 1 hour before breakfast and 4 hours away supplements

[klr31]

I have oats as part of home-made muesli every morning and love them.

Karen