Information Regarding Celiac disease, Corona Virus (COVID-19) and the Manitoba Chapter DECEMBER 2020

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Hello All,

There is a general public concern as the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has been detected in Manitoba. Now that it is closer to home, we understand there may be questions on how it will impact those diagnosed with Celiac Disease. The Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is concerned about the health, safety and well-being of members, volunteers, and supporters in our community. The Manitoba Chapter’s Board, at their recent meeting, discussed contingency plans for the upcoming planned events as well as Celiac Awareness Month.

In response to the situation, the most up-to-date information and/or statements from the National Canadian Celiac Association has been assembled. Also included are statements from Celiac Disease experts that have been compiled for you, which summarizes the impact of the virus on those living with Celiac Disease. Also included are recommended websites and a summary of recommendations to keep oneself safe during this time.

THE MOST UP TO DATE STATEMENTS PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL CANADIAN CELIAC ASSOCIATION CAN BE FOUND HERE:

https://www.celiac.ca/news-events/covid19/

  • Celiac Disease and Corona Virus (COVID-19)

DECEMBER 2020 UPDATE

PAC statement on COVID 19 Vaccination

A vaccine has recently been approved in Canada for COVID-19 and we anticipate more vaccines will be available in the future.  Our celiac community is asking for guidance of vaccination for COVID-19. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a concern that people with celiac disease might be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and had severe outcomes from the infection, given prior studies suggesting increased risks from pneumonia and viral infections. Thus far, we have learned from an international large study1 and celiac registry2 that individuals with celiac disease are not more likely to contract COVID-19 or to have adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infection compared to the non-celiac population.  However, we have seen the devastating effects of COVID-19 in the Canadian and worldwide population, and therefore, mass vaccination is crucial to provide immunity against this virus. We recommend that people with celiac disease receive the COVID-19 vaccine approved according to their provincially determined prioritization schedules.  Having a diagnosis of celiac disease should not affect the efficacy of the vaccine and should not be associated with any added adverse outcome from vaccination. It is important to clarify that celiac disease is not considered an allergy, and therefore, there is no anticipated need to take any additional precaution when proceeding with vaccination.

1-     ZhenJ et al, CGH 2020

2-     International ISECURE celiac registry: https://covidceliac.org/home

NOVEMBER 2020 UPDATE

COVID-19 Celiac Study Released – Canadian Celiac Association

MARCH 2020 STATEMENT AND UPDATE — BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON COVID-19 AND CELIAC DISEASE

  • Information from the National Canadian Celiac Association Web Page

”Patients with only celiac are not immunocompromised, unless they are taking medications for other medical conditions which are immunosuppressive. Like everyone, they should exercise careful infection control practices, including washing hands with soap and water frequently, and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. Patients with other comorbidities such as diabetes may be at higher risk of severe infection and should take additional precautions.”

News
  • A Celiac disease expert Dr. Alessio Fasano, chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Mass General Hospital for Children, has provided some information also. 

To watch:

Dr. Alessio Fasano

Click the link below or copy the link below and paste into your browser. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3RzvCeObFME

  • Statement from the Celiac Disease Centre at Columbia University Medical Center
  • The Celiac Project Has provided a pod cast to help clear up some misconceptions about the virus and how it impacts those with Celiac Disease

To Listen:

Click the link or alternatively copy the link below and paste into your browser

http://celiacprojectpodcast.libsyn.com/

Other General Coronavirus (COVID-19) Sources available:

  • Centre of Disease control

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

  • Health Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html#faq

  • Manitoba Government Website

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/

Recommendations:

From the Manitoba Government Website:

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/

Strategies for all Manitobans:

  • minimizing prolonged (more than 10 minutes), close (less than two meters/ six feet) contact

between other individuals in public,

  • avoiding greetings that involve touching such as handshakes,
  • disinfecting frequently used surfaces,
  • following public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you have travelled or have been exposed to someone ill with the virus, and
  • considering avoiding travel, crowded places and events, especially if you are at higher risk (e.g. seniors and those with underlying medical conditions)

How can I reduce my risk of infection?

Good hand hygiene provides significant protection from viral respiratory illnesses.

People are encouraged to take common prevention measures, including regular handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Make sure to dry your hands thoroughly. Or, you can use an alcohol-based hand cleanser if your hands are not visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean your hands:

  • after coughing or sneezing
  • when caring for a sick person
  • before, during and after you prepare food
  • before eating
  • after toilet use
  • when hands are visibly dirty

You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the garbage and immediately wash your hands, or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

Avoid close contact (within 2 meters/6 feet) with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing.

Children and adolescents should avoid sharing food/drinks (e.g. sippy cups and water bottles), musical instruments or other things that have been in a person’s mouth (e.g., soothers).

Please stay safe and healthy during this time

We shall be updating individuals on this webpage, our Facebook Page, Celi-yak Newsletter and as well our email list.

Website: www.celiac.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAMBChapter/

All But Gluten Launches

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All But GlutenA major national baker is now producing a new line of gluten-free baked goods.  Weston Bakeries has launched the All But Gluten line, which includes bread, focaccio, muffins, brownies, macaroons and pizza shells.

The line is produced in a gluten-free facility and bears the CCA GCFP certification.  All But Gluten products are available locally at Walmart stores.

Buttermilk Belgian Waffles

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Belgian waffleIf you don’t already have a waffle maker, you might think about getting one.  One of our readers, Sandra, has sent us this recipe for delectable Belgian waffles.  It’s quick, easy and of course, gluten-free.

“I started making these waffles for my teenage son.  Soon his friends were starting to invite themselves over for sleepover parties just so they could have my waffles in the morning.”

“They don’t care that they’re gluten-free”, Sandra explains.  “Just top them with butter and syrup and they’re fantastic.  To make them special, top with yogurt and fresh fruit, or hit it right out of the park with whipping cream.”

Here’s Sandra’s recipe.

  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup potato starch or corn starch
  • 1/4 cup tapioca flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs or or 1/3 cup egg substitute
  • 1 and 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat waffle iron to desired setting.  In a large bowl, mix together the flours, starch, baking powder, salt and sugar.  In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the buttermilk, oil and vanilla and mix well.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well-combined and moistened.  Cook according to waffle maker’s directions.

This recipe makes about 3 large Belgian waffles.  Serve immediately with your favourite toppings.

To submit your favourite gluten-free recipe, or anything worth posting, send an e-mail to recipesmbcca@gmail.com.

Don’t Forget the Frosty!

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Wendy's Another “quick service” hamburger restaurant is offering documented gluten-friendly options.  We were recently made aware of a page on Wendy’s website entitled, Canadian Menu Items Without Gluten.    These items include burger patties, sides, salads and desserts*.  Isn’t it nice to have more and more options on the road?

*As always, read documentation completely and speak with your local food service manager to satisfy yourself that your dietary needs can be met.

New Labelling Laws Now in Effect

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CCA label exampleTwenty years in the making, Canada’s new Allergen and Gluten labelling regulations finally came into full force on August 4, 2012.

The new rules apply to priority allergens in foods known to cause 90 per cent of reactions:

            • Wheat
            • Glutens (oats, barley and rye)
            • Peanuts
            • Eggs
            • Milk
            • Tree nuts (almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, walnuts)
            • Soy
            • Sesame seeds
            • Seafood (fish, crustaceans and shellfish)
            • Sulphites
            • Mustard seed

The rules will require a listing of allergens in smaller components of the product. For example, if a product includes “spices,” the label must list any allergens, glutens or sulphites contained in the spices.

How is this going to change your grocery shopping experience? The CCA has created some resources to help to get you up to speed. Click here to check them out.

This posting is open for comments.

Health Canada Provides Guidance to Industry on Gluten-free Claims

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Health Canada Guidance Document

It is now official!

Below is a link to the long-awaited guidance document to industry on gluten-free claims by Health Canada.

A very quick summary notes that products that do not exceed 20 ppm, and manufactured under ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’, are deemed to meet the intent of B.24.018 when a gluten-free claim is made.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/cel-coe/gluten-position-eng.php

This link will be posted on the CCA websites.  We will also be taking efforts to inform the industry and consumer/patient groups.

Jim McCarthy,

Advisor, Canadian Celiac Association

Click here for a PDF copy of the report.

Gluten-Free Ice Cream Cones

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Ice Cream Cone Recipe

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 3/4 cup sifted sweet rice flour
  • 1 cup sifted icing sugar (GF)
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 egg yolk

Melt butter and refrigerate until cool but still liquid.

Beat egg whites with salt until very stiff; gradually and gently fold in dry ingredients.

Add vanilla and egg yolk to melted butter, stirring gently. Add to egg white mixture, stirring with a wire whip until smooth. It should have the consistency of thick pancake batter.

Cook about 90 seconds or until golden brown. Remove and roll into cone, pinching tip to seal.

We have the ice cream cone maker that we lend out to our members. If you are interested call 772-6979.

Link between gluten intolerance and infertility

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Press Release

Gluten intolerance, an umbrella term that includes gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, doesn’t just affect the digestive system: it is linked to more than 300 diseases and conditions. Among the most common are those stemming from deficiencies, excesses and imbalances of female hormones. In fact, there’s a good chance that correct diagnosis and treatment of gluten intolerance may be all that’s needed to resolve hormone-related medical problems.

Dr Vikki Petersen D.C., C.C.N.Dr Vikki Petersen D.C., C.C.N.

What is the link between gluten intolerance and hormones? ”Gluten intolerance has many secondary effects, including adrenal fatigue,” according to Dr. Vikki Petersen, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, author of the book “The Gluten Effect” and co-founder of HealthNOW Medical Center. “The adrenals are responsible for maintaining a proper balance between DHEA, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, which prevents conditions such as PMS and infertility. But these hormones are also responsible for a number of other, more basic, functions like regulating blood pressure and blood glucose levels and preventing dehydration.”

“When the adrenals are fatigued, as they often are when one is gluten intolerant, they can’t function fully and optimally. They have to choose between producing sex hormones or just keeping the body up and running,” she said.

Invariably, the functions that relate to basic survival are the priority and the production or regulation of the sex hormones suffers.

According to Dr. Petersen, the results can include such common conditions as:

– cramping
– heavy bleeding
– menstrual irregularity
– endometriosis
– polycystic ovaries
– fibrocystic breasts
– migraines
– PMS
– infertility
– miscarriage

“The link between adrenal stress and gluten intolerance is common, but rarely diagnosed,” said Dr. Petersen. “As a result, millions of women are suffering unnecessarily from conditions that really affect their quality of life but are easily remedied.”

HealthNOW is a medical clinic in Sunnyvale, California that combines internal medicine, clinical nutrition, naturopathy, physical therapy and chiropractic. The team of doctors from these disciplines work together to resolve patients’ unique health problems and conditions.