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A gluten-free diet (GFD), one without wheat, barley, and rye, is important in the treatment of celiac disease. The safety of including oats in the diet to increase its nutritional value is debated.
In a systematic review, investigators identified 28 studies of the effect of oats on symptoms, serologic markers, or histology in celiac disease (defined broadly) and/or dermatitis herpetiformis. They conducted a meta-analysis of eight controlled trials (six randomized) comprising 661 patients.
Including oats in a GFD for 12 months did not affect symptoms, histology, intraepithelial lymphocyte counts, or serologic markers. Results were similar for adults and children. The authors conclude that inclusion of uncontaminated oats in a GFD for up to 12 …