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If you’re one of the 3 million Americans who have celiac disease, here’s some great news: You’ll see the initials “GF” on the packaging of a growing number of Medifast Meals. This means they have been certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
In people with celiac disease, gluten (a common protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and any food that contains even trace amounts of these grains) injures the lining of the small intestine. When people with celiac disease eat gluten-containing foods, they can experience gastrointestinal distress and malnutrition since their intestines are damaged cannot absorb vitamins and other nutrients properly.
Once thought to be rare, celiac disease is now one of the most common genetic diseases in the world, with a prevalence estimated at 1 in 266 people. The vast majority-97%-are undiagnosed.
Celiac disease has no cure, but it can be effectively managed by avoiding foods containing gluten. Once someone has been properly diagnosed with celiac disease by a doctor, they can get relief with a gluten-free diet plan, which helps to reverse complications from the disease.
Gluten intolerance (also called gluten sensitivity or non-celiac gluten intolerance), is another condition that affects the body’s ability to properly digest or break down certain foods or ingredients when gluten is eaten. Like other food sensitivities, gluten intolerance can cause intestinal gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
On the other hand, wheat allergy is different. Wheat allergy occurs when the body reacts to protein in wheat, interpreting it as a harmful invader that it must fight. Signs and symptoms of an allergy may include itching, rash, and, occasionally, more severe reactions such as swelling of the throat and airway, which can be life-threatening.
Recognizing the needs of people who must avoid gluten, Medifast has tested its products and earned a certification for many of them as GF by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). GFCO carefully inspects products for gluten, and does not certify products for any other potential allergens. Products with the GFCO certification mark meet the strictest standards for being GF-below the ppm limits set by the government.
This certification assures that each serving of these GF Medifast Meals contains less than 10 ppm gluten (5 ppm gliadin) and similar proteins from rye and barley.
The following have been certified GF by the GFCO:
Medifast Shake with Antioxidants (Cherry Pomegranate and Dark Chocolate)
Medifast 55 Shakes (all flavors)
Medifast 70 Shakes (all flavors)
Medifast Hot Drinks (Cappuccino, Chai Latte, and Hot Cocoa)
Medifast Soups (Chicken & Wild Rice, Cream of Tomato, and Maryland Crab)
Medifast Fruit Drinks (Cranberry Mango and Tropical Punch)
Essential1®: Calorie Burn (Cappuccino)
Medifast Iced Tea (Peach and Raspberry)
Medifast Pudding (all flavors)
Medifast Scrambled Eggs