Diet Tips:Are gluten-free foods actually better for you?

Journal review by Shirley Webber (Research dietitian)

The gluten-free diet has been getting a lot of attention for a number of years now. However, there is still some confusion about whether or not this is actually a healthy diet.

A gluten-free diet restricts wheat, barley, rye and oats. Following this diet is essential for those who are diagnosed with coeliac disease. For this small portion of the population, gluten can be damaging to the gastrointestinal tract. 

There are many other people following a gluten-free diet, whether it be due to suspected sensitivity to gluten, or just because they think it is a healthier way to eat. Studies have shown that gluten intolerance without coeliac disease is rare, so for many people following a gluten-free diet for other reasons, what impact does choosing gluten-free products have on their nutritional status?

A study by researchers from the University of Sydney recently considered the nutrient differences of major gluten containing food groups which included: dry plain pasta, breads, and ready-to-eat cereals. Comparisons were made by analysing the nutrition information panel on gluten-free products (those stating on the packaging that it is gluten-free certified) and gluten containing foods in this category. Nutrients were also compared using the Health Star Rating - a nutrient profiling initiative implemented by the Australian Government. 

Analysis of the three food categories showed that there was, in fact, a very similar nutritional profile for both the gluten-free and gluten containing foods, however, with one notable difference in the protein levels: gluten-free foods contained consistently less protein than gluten containing foods, in particular in pasta and bread. There was also variation in the fibre content of gluten versus gluten-free foods.

This study also considered discretionary foods which cover: cereal bars, cake mixes/cakes, sweet biscuits, ice cream, corn and potato chips, cured meats, sausages and hot dogs, and sugar based confectioneries. For four of these discretionary foods (cereal bars, cake mixes/cakes, sweet biscuits, and cured meats, sausages and hot dogs), the Health Star Rating did not change for gluten versus gluten-free products. In three of the categories (ice cream, corn and potato chips, and sugar based confectioneries) the total energy density was lower in gluten-free products than in gluten containing products. Despite slightly better nutritional quality in gluten-free options, overall discretionary foods are all high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar.

This study highlighted that gluten-free doesn't mean healthier, particularly when looking at some commonly used cereals, pastas, and bread, which make up a big component of the Australian and western diet. More research needs to be conducted to assess the vitamin and mineral differences of these gluten versus gluten-free products.

Wu, J. H. Y., et al. (2015). “Are gluten-free foods healthier than non-gluten-free foods? An evaluation of supermarket products in Australia.” British Journal of Nutrition 114: 448-454.
 

Diet Tips:What is lactose intolerance?

By Lyndal McNamara (APD)

As a dietitian, I often see patients who have just been diagnosed with lactose intolerance and understandably assume that this means they need to avoid all dairy products. You will be relieved to know that this is certainly not the case! In fact, most dairy products can still be enjoyed on a low lactose diet. But first, what exactly is lactose and what does a diagnosis of lactose intolerance really mean in terms of diet?  

What is lactose and what is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is a type of sugar found most commonly in milk and other dairy products. When foods/drinks containing lactose are consumed, the body needs the help of an enzyme named lactaseto break down the lactose sugar into smaller pieces for digestion and absorption (see picture below). Individuals who have lactose intolerance make less lactase enzyme, so may find it difficult to digest lactose properly when they consume a large amount of a lactose-containing food/drink. This can ultimately result in unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, wind, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

What is the difference between lactose intolerance and an allergy to dairy?

Lactose intolerance should not be confused with a dairy allergy. A true food allergy is an adverse reaction to a food that involves the body’s immune system and can result in severe symptoms that can even be life threatening. Someone with a dairy allergy may experience severe symptoms even if they consume minute quantities of a dairy product; it is therefore usually essential that they strictly avoid all dairy. Lactose intolerance is different in that consumption of small to even moderate amounts of lactose may not actually trigger any symptoms. Despite the symptoms of lactose intolerance being unpleasant, exposure to too much lactose will not result in life threatening symptoms. Strict avoidance of lactose is therefore unnecessary. 

How much lactose can I have before experiencing symptoms?

This will vary between individuals, however research suggests that most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate 12-15g of lactose per day (equivalent to up to 250ml of regular milk) and possibly even more if lactose consumption is spread throughout the day rather than in a single sitting. (1-3)

Is there anything I can take/do to improve my tolerance to lactose?

Lactase enzyme products (tablets or drops) are available at most pharmacies and may assist with lactose digestion when taken with a lactose containing food. Consuming lactose containing foods together with other foods may also improve tolerance.(3)

How much lactose do dairy products actually contain?

As you can see from the table below, this is very variable! Whilst regular milk is high in lactose, many common cheeses such as cheddar, feta and even soft cheeses like brie and camembert contain virtually no lactose in a typical serve. Whilst yoghurt is listed as a high lactose food, there are many varieties available that are low lactose or even lactose free that are usually well tolerated. Try yoghurts that have added live bacterial cultures, as these are usually easier to digest. Lactose free varieties of many dairy products including cow’s milk, cream, sour cream and cream cheese are also now readily available. These products are identical to the regular variety, they simply have some lactase enzyme added to them, and so the lactose has already been digested for you!

Lactose content of common dairy foods

Dairy product	Lactose content /serve	Serving size	Lactose classification/serve
Full cream milk	15.75g	250ml	High
Low-fat milk	15.25g	250ml	High
Skim milk	12.5g	250ml	High
Natural Yoghurt	8.5g*	170g	High
Regular flavoured yoghurt	5.8g*	170g	High
Thickened Cream	3.75g	125ml	Moderate
Sour cream	3.13g	125ml	Moderate
Cream cheese	2.0g	80g	Moderate
Ricotta Cheese	1.6g	80g	Moderate
Cottage cheese	0.7g	36g	Low
Feta Cheese	0.13g	125g	Low
Cheddar (tasty) Cheese	0.04g	40g or 2 slices	Low
Camembert Cheese	0.04g	40g	Low
Brie Cheese	0.04g	40g	Low

 

*The lactose content of yoghurt varies significantly between brands and this value reflects the average lactose content only.

Data source: NUTTAB 2010 database

Will I miss out on any essential nutrients if I follow a lactose free diet?

Many dairy foods containing lactose are important sources of calcium in the diet, so if you avoid dairy products for any reason, it is important that they are replaced with suitable calcium rich alternatives. The range of lactose free dairy products available on the market mean that you can consume a low lactose, calcium rich diet very easily. Choose lactose free milk, probiotic yoghurts or lactose free yoghurts and choose naturally low lactose cheeses from the list above. If you do this you will still get enough calcium in your diet. Alternatively, if you choose non-dairy, lactose free milks including those made from soy, rice, nuts such as almonds and even coconut, it is important to ensure that you buy a brand that contains added calcium, as these products do not naturally contain much calcium. Ideally look for a variety that has 200-300mg of calcium per 250ml serve. Remember to always speak to your dietitian before making major changes to your usual diet to ensure you will not be missing out on any important nutrients!

References:

1.            Savaiano DA, Boushey CJ, McCabe GP. Lactose intolerance symptoms assessed by meta-analysis: a grain of truth that leads to exaggeration. The Journal of nutrition. 2006;136(4):1107-13.

2.            Suarez FL, Savaiano D, Arbisi P, Levitt MD. Tolerance to the daily ingestion of two cups of milk by individuals claiming lactose intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1997;65(5):1502-6.

3.            Shaukat A, Levitt MD, Taylor BC, MacDonald R, Shamliyan TA, Kane RL, et al. Systematic Review: Effective Management Strategies for Lactose Intolerance. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2010;152(12):797-803.