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

My original post concerned a response that I received from Alkalol  
(an OTC herbal medication that is used for sinus infections, sore  
throats, and the like) saying that the caramel coloring used in the  
product contains wheat.  I also asked if anyone knew whether vitamin  
B5, which according to a dietician friend, is largely found in whole  
grains, is ever made from wheat.    For the record, the reply I  
received from them was:

Thanks for the email. Yes, the caramel color that is added to Alkalol  
during its production is a wheat-based product. I do not know the  
exact amount of wheat (it’s very small, but I know that doesn’t  
help). Sorry. As I always suggest, if you have any additional  
concerns about Alkalol, please contact your physician with any  
questions.

Sincerely,


James Whitters
Vice President
The Alkalol Company
P.O Box 273
Boston, MA 02133-9998
Web: www.alkalolcompany.com


Alkalol Summary:
A few people said they use alkalol and didn't realize it contained  
wheat and were grateful for my post.

Others recommended the following for sinus irrigation:
salt water
saline nasal spray
Sinus Cleanse (from Walmart)
Use nasolene (a syringe) or netti pot with salt water solution

Our daughter, who is the one who has the problem with sensitive  
sinuses, says that salt water solutions don't seem to help her - they  
irritate her nasal passages, sometimes  making them feel worse  
instead of better.  Also, the salt water ends up going down her  
digestive tract and upset her stomach.  We were looking for other  
alternatives.

B5 Summary:
A couple of people suggested I buy a brand of B5 that is labeled  
gluten free .  I guess my post was unclear, so here is better  
information.  My dietician friend has found and is using a line of  
organic cosmetics out of Australia (Miessence Organic Cosmetics) and  
one ingredient in a couple of their products is "pro-vitamin B5" or d- 
panthenol.  This ingredient is found in the translucent foundation  
and lip balm products.  Since B5 is most commonly found in whole  
grains, I was wondering whether anyone knew whether pro-vitamin B5 or  
d-panthenol would typically be derived from wheat or barley and  
whether anyone had found it to be a problem.

This is a general interest question, as I realize that I can find out  
specifically about the cosmetics from my friend or directly from the  
company.  The company already has emailed her that they don't use any  
wheat or wheat derivatives in their products, but didn't say anything  
about barley or oats.

Thanks everyone.

Jackie in AZ


Visit the Celiac Web Page at Http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html
Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC