title: Assessment of Nutritional Adequacy of Packaged Gluten-free Food Products.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is concern about the nutritional quality of processed gluten-free (GF) products. The aim was to investigate the nutrient composition and cost of processed GF products compared with similar regular products.
  
  
  METHODS
  Product size, price, caloric value, and macro- and micronutrient composition were compared between foods labeled "Gluten-free" and comparable regular products in 5 grocery stores in 3 Canadian cities. Data were calculated per 100 g of product.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 131 products were studied (71 GF, 60 regular). Overall, calories were comparable between GF and regular foods. However, fat content of GF breads was higher (mean 7.7 vs. 3.6 g, P = 0.003), whereas protein was lower (mean 5.0 vs. 8.0 g, P = 0.001). Mean carbohydrate content of GF pasta was higher (78 vs. 74 g, P = 0.001), whereas protein (7.5 vs. 13.3 g, P < 0.001), fibre (3.3 vs. 5.8 g, P = 0.048), iron (9% vs. 25%DV, P < 0.001), and folate content (5% vs. 95%DV, P < 0.001) were lower. Mean price of GF products was $1.99 versus $1.23 for regular products (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Some commonly consumed packaged GF foods are higher in fat and carbohydrates and lower in protein, iron, and folate compared with regular products. GF products are more expensive. Dietitians should counsel patients on the GF diet regarding its nutritional and financial impact.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Tasha
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kulai
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Mohsin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rashid
mesh_terms: D001939:Bread / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000191:economics; D001955:British Columbia; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D059305:Diet, High-Fat / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000191:economics; D057140:Fast Foods / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics; D005433:Flour / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics; D005515:Food Labeling; D005628:Frozen Foods / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008461:Meat Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D009674:Nova Scotia; D009753:Nutritive Value; D064788:Serving Size