<<Disclaimer:  Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Lindsay,

Current recommendations have not been relaxed when it comes to oats. If you
look at the studies, they are small and short termed. The one study that was
long term had 25% of the participants drop out with the follow up biopsy not
being done until at least 2 months later. Two months is enough time for some
gut healing to occur. Also these studies only added 50 mg (1/2 cup of uncooked
oats to the diet). Their subjects did not have a severe case of CD either.
Therefore their results can not be generalized across the entire celiac
community. I would not risk my child's health on incorporating oats into their
diet.

The following is an exert from Oats Safe for Children with Celiac Disease, J
Pediatr 2000;137:356-366


"The grain scientists tell us that even though oat proteins are different,
they do have similar amino acid sequences to the toxic gliadin sequences.
Similarly, in vitro ("test tube") studies do show that oat proteins trigger
the immune response of cells taken from celiac patients.

The team emphasized, however, that the long-term effects of oat cereal added
to a gluten-free diet in children with celiac disease still need to be
determined."

The doctors have their reasons for waiting to make sure that oats are really
safe for the community. Also, if you read any of the professional journal
articles they do not endorse the consumpton of oats for all celiacs. All the
articles have this disclaimer. The research isnot completely in.

The article in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association on oats did
not endorse oat consumpton by all celiacs, either. She stated that for adults
with mild CD the consumption of 50 mg or less appears to be safe. Since people
with severe cases of CD have been excluded and only 10 children with mild CD
have been tested with only 25 grams of oats (1/4 cup uncooked) I would not
make that recommentation. It is easier to add something to a child's diet then
to have to remove it later when it is discovered to be harmful. I would
recommend caution. Afterall, children have the best chance of having a total
intestinal villi recovery. Why jeopardize that?



Theresa

*******************************
Theresa Cornelius, MS, RD, CLC
Nutrition Consultant
Changing Lifestyles, Inc.
7424 Oaken Dr
Knoxville, TN 37938-4321
Home/Office/Fax: 865-922-8780
https://web.utk.edu/~theresac/
*******************************

* Send administrative questions to [log in to unmask] *