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

Panel Discussion
----------------

The conference concluded with many of the conference speakers sitting
on a panel, answering questions.  In this section we'll share some of
those questions and answers with you.  No attempt is made to identify
which speaker(s) provided the answers.


Q:  Why do so many GF recipes call for GF vinegar or GF vanilla?

A:  This is partly due to a belief by many celiacs, particularly in
    the USA, that distilled alcohol/vinegar contains gluten.


Q:  Can a celiac safely receive blood transfusions from non-celiacs?

A:  This is probably not a concern; hepatitis is more of a risk (and
    even that risk is very small).


Q:  Why can't celiacs be blood donors?

A:  It is general policy in Canada not to accept blood from donors
    with autoimmune disease.  Also, due to leaky gut (even in
    recovered celiacs), you may have bacteria in the blood which
    you've adjusted to but which may cause problems to the recipient
    of your blood.


Q:  What is the relationship between cystic fibrosis and CD?

A:  These are different diseases.  Historically there has appeared to
    be a connection, because they were lumped together due to
    symptoms.  There may be a small correlation, but the extent is
    unknown.  They are separate diseases, easily discernable when
    diagnosed.


Q:  When should you take calcium supplements?

A:  Calcium absorption is more effective when supplements are taken
    with a meal, as the food slows the progression through the
    digestive tract allowing more to be absorbed.  The intestine can
    only absorb about 500 mg.  at a time, so you need to split up your
    intake of supplement if you need more than this amount.  (For
    example, post-menopausal women may need 1200-1500 mg., which would
    be taken in three doses of 400-500 mg each, over the course of a
    day.)