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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Should I avoid dairy products if I have Celiac disease?

I have Celiac disease, and I keep reading that Celiacs should stay away from dairy because it promotes inflammation. But dairy has always been one of my main "foods."

I use raw milk and make my own kefir, yogurt, butter, and cheese, in addition to just drinking it. Is raw milk as bad for Celiacs as processed milk? Also, would I need to stay away from yogurt and kefir? (I cannot take probiotics in capsule form.)

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Foods made from fermented milk, including yogurt and buttermilk

There is some research that indicates many Celiac patients may be intolerant of diary products. There is, however, more than one explanation for this.

One is that many with Celiac disease are also lactose intolerant. There's a large number of the population who can't tolerate lactose-containing foods because of the lack of production of the enzyme, lactase, that breaks down lactose.

There have been some reports of intolerance to milk proteins in many of those with Celiac disease. Studies have shown elevations of antibodies to milk proteins in up to half of those who are gluten intolerant. You may not be one of those.

Even with some of these concerns, there are also reports that many with Celiac disease respond well to processed dairy like yogurt. You may be one of those. I'm sorry I can't be more specific in your case - you will need to try different milk products and record your reactions in order to know which products (if any) might be a problem for you.

Thanks for writing.

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet