<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I am interested that this topic has risen because I had been meaning to write on a similar line for some time. My input is more from the positive side of the GF diet rather than the negative effects. I am now just 56 and although initially diagnosed as a Celiac back in 1941 I only rediscovered it about 7 years ago and since that time have not looked back. Some of the positive effects: Enhanced memory; I now am able to complete The Times (London) Cryptic crossword in 20 to 45 minutes, most days and the same for other advanced Cryptic crosswords. I seem to be able to scan newsprint and books more quickly and with greater comprehension than before. General Well-being. I met my local GP in the Supermarket the other day and he hardly recognised me, I had to say "Richard Lockley Coeliac" to jog his memory. I told him that he was still my doctor but that I had not been to see him for so long because the diet works. He then wanted to discuss diagnosis and symptons and the time was well spent. This well-being also includes better skin texture and hair, and my eyesight has not deteriorated further during the GF diet. Most people say I look ten years younger than my actual age. Of course this GF diet is not the most interesting but it does work. I do not eat bread, pizza, pasta, biscuits etc, GF or otherwise, but live pretty much on fruit, vegetables, meat, sea food and dairy products, wine as well. I do not use vitamin supplements because I subscribe to the belief that if one's gut is working properly then nutrients are absorbed, if it is not it won't absorb the vitamin supplements either. Incidentally, re the mouth ulcers/sores discussion recently, I always believed, and still do, that it is lack of vitamin A which is easily able to be eaten in large enough doses without pills to eliminate the problem, I haven't had these in years, but did so regularly before the GF diet. All in all, my message is think positive and be thankful that we know exactly what we can and what we can't eat, with this knowledge at our shiny fingertips (ha ha) we are in a superior position, healthwise to the rest of the population. RICHARD LOCKLEY phone: +61 3 9905 5018 (work) : +61 3 9882 4498 (home) home email:[log in to unmask]