Probiotics are a great thing. Right? In some cases, maybe not. I’ve tried taking probiotics several times since the 1990’s. One would think they are a helpful supplement given the latest research on the gut microbiome. One would also believe that they are imperative for someone such as myself, working to heal a leaky gut that contributed to the diagnoses of celiac disease, Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis.
You’ll think twice after you see this recent article in the New York Times, Many Probiotics Taken for Celiac Disease Contain Gluten. That article has personal relevance as every time I’ve attempted to take probiotics I’ve had stomachaches and severe digestive distress. Of course, I’ve only purchased probiotics at the doctor’s office (or an incredible local shop, Pharmaca). Still, it made no difference. Now I know why. Even high-end probiotic supplements have been found to contain gluten. According to this New York Times article:
The authors of the study found gluten in probiotic supplements that carried “gluten-free” claims on their labels, and they discovered that the most expensive supplements were just as likely to contain gluten as the cheapest products.
According to Dr. Peter H. R. Green, the author of the study and the director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, “the results suggest that people with celiac disease, or those avoiding gluten for any reason, should be cautious about taking probiotic supplements.” I’m beyond relieved that I attempt to listen to my body. Because of this, I spared myself a daily dose of gluten, something I work diligently to avoid. What do you do when a doctor, naturopath, or healer advises you to continue taking a supplement or medicine that makes you feel ill?
If you’re looking for a safe delivery method of probiotics, check out my homemade fermented pickles recipe!
Rhiannon says
I read about this too when the article first came out a week or so ago. I’ve been taking them for YEARS and I’ve never felt well. Ever. I also have Hashimoto’s that has never been well-controlled, and I’m wondering if this could be a contributing factor of me “poisoning” myself for all these years. I stopped taking mine immediately and my stomach has been better than it has been in 10 years. I seriously wonder if that’s been an issue all along and I never knew it. I am now wondering about ALL my supplements though. I specifically only take ones that are labeled as gluten free, but apparently we can’t even trust that. More than half tested positive for gluten and that’s a HUGE number. I just can’t even believe it. I cannot believe in this day and age that these things aren’t better tested and regulated. I am disgusted with the whole thing!
Kerri says
There are liquid kefir-based probiotics available (and kefir is fermented), so shouldn’t contain gluten…
Alexandra says
How disappointing! I have celiacs and I always wondered why my stomach blew up and I felt miserable after my probiotics and they always said gluten free :( ugh!!
Lyn says
I find I cannot tolerate any form of vinegars or fermented foods (I have been making my own kefir and Kombucha) and eating fermented vegetables. All of these cause severe reflux.
I take probiotics from Biotrust which I seem to tolerate (but not their omega – think it is the capsule) but prior to that took several ‘gluten-free’ probiotics which caused issues.
Cynthia says
Try raw sauerkraut, Kim chee, and Kombutcha. All wheat free pro-biotics. C-
M says
Jarrow Ideal Bowel Support does not contain gluten
Sorebelly says
Note – Culturelle claims to be gluten free…
MomOfIV says
Make your own at home without gluten worries…kefir (with milk or coconut water), kombucha, villi, and others….tastes great and better for you because made at home so you know what’s in it and you get more probiotic benefits.
Cri says
Is Synergy’s kombucha gluten free
Gfedge says
thank you Elana for the heads up!
Danae Johnson says
This is extremely disappointing. I am thankful they are finally being ousted for their dishonesty and lack of integrity.
Ali says
Whoa!!! Was there a list of probiotics that do NOT contain gluten?
Judy says
Is there a list of those that contain gluten?
Samantha says
Arbonne digestion plus does not contain gluten! It’s pure and safe!
Wendi says
Metagentics Ultra Flora Balance is Gluten Free