More Nonfoods Labeled 'Gluten-Free'

DAYTON, Ohio — Gluten-free designations are cropping up on nonfood items such as vitamins and creams, lotions and other products absorbed by the skin.

“We’ve seen a 43% increase in body care products being labeled as gluten-free and certified as gluten-free,” explained Cynthia Kupper, executive director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America during “The Gluten Free Movement Within Specialty Foods" webinar hosted last week by The National Association of Specialty Food Trade.

C.A. Diltz, who heads up gluten-free programs at Dorothy Lane Market here and is gluten sensitive herself, endorses gluten-free health and beauty brand Keys and its all-natural moisturizer, shampoo and antibiotic hand soap to avoid skin irritation and problems related to accidental ingestion. “If I were to wash my hands in wheat germ oil, they’d turn red and get itchy and blotchy,” she explained.

Prescription medication can also be problematic since fillers may contain wheat. Next month, a compounding pharmacist from Clark’s pharmacy, Huber Heights, Ohio, will address the issue at DLM’s Gluten-Free Food Lover’s Club support group meeting. Pharmacist Robyn Crow will help answer the question: “Are Allergen-Free Compounded Prescriptions Best For You?”