Common Misconceptions About Gluten-Free Diet in Celiac Disease
Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Specialist Dr. Atilla Bektaş states that the perception that a gluten-free diet is healthier for everyone is wrong. Dr. Bektaş, who has shown through his research that a gluten-containing diet does not negatively affect general health, emphasizes that the information spread unconsciously on this subject does not reflect the truth.
Dr. Bektaş says that the subject of gluten sensitivity, which is frequently featured in popular books and the press, is exaggerated. Bektaş states that a gluten-free diet is unnecessary for healthy individuals, except for those with celiac disease, and that research does not support these claims.
In studies conducted with the participation of institutions such as Hacettepe University Biology Department, Ankara University Veterinary Department, Başkent University Experimental Animal Production and Research Center, it has been proven that a gluten-containing diet does not cause weight gain, does not have a diabetic effect, and does not negatively affect general health.
Animal Model Used in the Study
According to Dr. Bektaş’s explanations, 40 Wistar Albino rats were used in the study as the animal model that best represents human nutrition. The reason these animals were chosen is because their life cycle is short and they best reflect a mammal’s nutritional model. In the study conducted by feeding rats with rations with different gluten levels, the effects of gluten on health were examined in detail.
The data obtained as a result of Dr. Bektaş’s research shows that a gluten-containing diet does not negatively affect general health and that a gluten-free diet is unnecessary for healthy individuals. Emphasizing that gluten, found in wheat, barley and rye, is an important component of healthy nutrition, Dr. Bektaş states that switching to gluten-free diets is unnecessary for health.
