It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.
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Ask Dr. Gourmet
Is gluten used as a filler in medications?
Because my daughter-in-law has been diagnosed with Celiac disease, I've been paying more attention to labels. I recently heard that gluten is used as a "filler" in some over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Is this true? And if it is, should gluten-sensitive persons be concerned?
Dr. Gourmet Says...
What you have heard is true. Many pharmaceuticals and over the counter medications do contain gluten and it is smart to be vigilant. Pharmacists may know, but I've found an excellent website maintained by a pharmacist that details gluten free products: www.GlutenFreeDrugs.com
Thanks for writing,
Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP
Dr. Gourmet