Gluten contamination of naturally gluten-free flours and starches used by Canadians with celiac disease.

A large national investigation into the extent of gluten cross-contamination of naturally gluten-free ingredients (flours and starches) sold in Canada was performed. Samples (n = 640) were purchased from eight Canadian cities and via the internet during the period 2010-2012 and analysed for gluten contamination. The results showed that 61 of the 640 (9.5%) samples were contaminated above the Codex-recommended maximum level for gluten-free products (20 mg kg⁻¹) with a range of 5-7995 mg kg⁻¹. For the ingredients that were labelled gluten-free the contamination range (5-141 mg kg⁻¹) and number of samples were lower (3 of 268). This picture was consistent over time, with approximately the same percentage of samples above 20 mg kg⁻¹ in both the initial set and the subsequent lot. Looking at the total mean (composite) contamination for specific ingredients the largest and most consistent contaminations come from higher fibre ingredients such as soy (902 mg kg⁻¹), millet (272 mg kg⁻¹) and buckwheat (153 mg kg⁻¹). Of the naturally gluten-free flours and starches tested that do not contain a gluten-free label, the higher fibre ingredients would constitute the greatest probability of being contaminated with gluten above 20 mg kg⁻¹.

Clinical features and symptom recovery on a gluten-free diet in Canadian adults with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease can present with mild or nongastrointestinal symptoms, and may escape timely recognition. The treatment of celiac disease involves a gluten-free diet, which is complex and challenging. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical features and symptom recovery on a gluten-free diet in a Canadian adult celiac population. METHODS: All adult members (n=10,693) of the two national celiac support organizations, the Canadian Celiac Association and Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque, were surveyed using a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 5912 individuals (≥18 years of age) with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease and/or dermatitis herpetiformis completed the survey. The female to male ratio was 3:1, and mean (± SD) age at diagnosis was 45.2 ± 16.4 years. Mean time to diagnosis after onset of symptoms was 12.0 ± 14.4 years. Abdominal pain and bloating (84.9%), extreme weakness/tiredness (74.2%), diarrhea (71.7%) and anemia (67.8%) were the most commonly reported symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Many respondents continued to experience symptoms after being on a gluten-free diet for >5 years. Sex differences were reported in clinical features before diagnosis, recovery after being on gluten-free diet and perceived quality of life, with women experiencing more difficulties than men. CONCLUSIONS: Delays in diagnosis of celiac disease in Canada remain unacceptably long despite wider availability of serological screening tests. Many patients report continuing symptoms despite adhering to a gluten-free diet for >5 years, with women experiencing more symptoms and a lower recovery rate than men. Awareness of celiac disease needs improvement, and follow-up with a physician and a dietitian is essential for all patients with celiac disease.

Use of over-the-counter medications and natural products in patients with moderate and severe chronic renal insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Use of over-the-counter medications and natural products may be associated with drug-related problems among patients with chronic renal insufficiency. The aim of this study is to describe the use of nonprescription medications in patients attending a predialysis clinic and identify drug-related problems associated with the use of these products. METHODS: In a 6-month cluster randomized controlled trial, patients with moderate (n = 46) and severe (n = 41) chronic renal insufficiency were interviewed over the telephone at baseline by a community pharmacist to document their use of over-the-counter medications and natural products. The safety of each product was assessed, and drug-related problems were identified independently by 2 pharmacists. RESULTS: Overall, 83% (95% confidence interval [CI], 72 to 94) of patients with moderate chronic renal insufficiency and 68% (95% CI, 54 to 83) with severe chronic renal insufficiency reported using at least 1 over-the-counter medication. Contraindicated over-the-counter medications were reported by 9% of patients. Natural products were used by 22% (95% CI, 10 to 34) and 29% (95% CI, 15 to 43) of patients with moderate and severe chronic renal insufficiency, respectively. Similarly, 3% of patients reported using at least 1 contraindicated natural product. Patients had consulted a health professional for 49% of over-the-counter medications and 19% of natural products. Overall, 65 drug-related problems were identified. CONCLUSION: The use of over-the-counter medications and natural products is highly prevalent in patients with chronic renal insufficiency and often is associated with a drug-related problem. These results emphasize the importance for community pharmacists to closely monitor the use of these products in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.