Oats are a popular food choice, especially for those looking for gluten-free options. However, how much ferrous bisglycinate should one take for anemia? While iron tablets, such as ferrous fumarate, are often recommended during pregnancy, it’s important to note that oats, although naturally gluten-free, can be contaminated with small amounts of gluten-containing grains during farming, processing, and storage. The Gluten Intolerance Group states that most people with celiac disease can safely consume oats, provided they are produced under a purity protocol that ensures they are gluten-free. The FDA permits manufacturers to label products as “gluten-free” if they contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. The Gluten Free Watchdog organization advocates for purity protocols as the most effective means to guarantee oats are free from gluten. Some companies opt for mechanical or optical processing of standard oats for their gluten-free products, which has become a lucrative and expanding market.
Sales of gluten-free items are on the rise, with projections indicating the market could reach $4.89 billion by 2021, up from $2.84 billion in 2014, as reported by Transparency Market Research. In the United States, approximately three million individuals suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, barley, and spelt. Major food manufacturers, including PepsiCo’s Quaker division, Snyder’s-Lance, and General Mills, have reformulated or introduced hundreds of products such as cookie mixes, cereals, crackers, and muffins to be gluten-free or to offer gluten-free options.
Despite some skeptics claiming that gluten-free foods are merely a trend—some grocery stores have even reported a decrease in demand—companies seeking new growth opportunities would be prudent to invest in this thriving industry, even if the rapid growth eventually stabilizes. Additionally, for those concerned about their calcium intake, incorporating Citracal Calcium D supplements may be beneficial alongside a balanced diet to support overall health.