Why is it important for someone with celiac disease to read labels on processed foods?

Why is it important for someone with celiac disease to read labels on processed foods?

• A. To identify hidden gluten
• B. To check calories
• C. To measure fat content
• D. To evaluate sodium levels

Answer: (A)

For celiac disease, the goal is to avoid gluten completely because even small amounts can trigger symptoms and damage the small intestine. Processed foods often hide gluten in sources you wouldn’t expect, such as ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye, or additives like malt, malt flavorings, certain starches, or hydrolyzed plant proteins. Reading labels helps you spot these gluten-containing ingredients and choose truly gluten-free options, reducing the risk of accidental exposure. While calories, fat, and sodium matter for general nutrition, they don’t address the essential need to avoid gluten in celiac disease.

For celiac disease, the goal is to avoid gluten completely because even small amounts can trigger symptoms and damage the small intestine. Processed foods often hide gluten in sources you wouldn’t expect, such as ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye, or additives like malt, malt flavorings, certain starches, or hydrolyzed plant proteins. Reading labels helps you spot these gluten-containing ingredients and choose truly gluten-free options, reducing the risk of accidental exposure. While calories, fat, and sodium matter for general nutrition, they don’t address the essential need to avoid gluten in celiac disease.