What supplements should I take for celiac disease? A guide to replenishing essential nutrients

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

Individuals with untreated celiac disease often experience significant malabsorption, leading to widespread nutritional deficiencies. Understanding what supplements should I take for celiac is crucial for recovery and long-term health, even on a strict gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

Recovering from celiac disease requires replenishing nutrients lost to malabsorption. This article explains which vitamins and minerals are commonly deficient, how supplements can help, and emphasizes the need for a certified gluten-free product.

Key Points

Initial Deficiencies: Untreated celiac disease often causes significant malabsorption, leading to common deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, and calcium.
Iron and Vitamin D: Iron deficiency anemia is a frequent issue, while low vitamin D levels can affect bone health and immunity; both often require supplementation.
B Vitamins: Malabsorption of B12 and folate can persist even on a gluten-free diet, making a B-complex supplement a common recommendation.
Gut Healing Support: L-glutamine provides fuel for intestinal cells, while probiotics help restore the gut microbiome and calm inflammation.
Safety and Certification: Always choose supplements that are certified gluten-free by a third party, like the GFCO, to avoid cross-contamination.
Professional Guidance: Supplementation should be guided by a healthcare provider who can use blood tests to determine specific nutrient needs.

Why Celiac Disease Causes Nutrient Deficiencies

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten consumption damages the villi lining the small intestine. These tiny, finger-like projections are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. When they are flattened or destroyed, nutrient absorption becomes impaired, a condition known as malabsorption. For many newly diagnosed patients, and even some adhering to a long-term gluten-free diet, this intestinal damage leads to a variety of nutritional shortfalls. Common deficiencies include fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), iron, folate, vitamin B12, calcium, and zinc. Simply removing gluten is the first step, but for many, additional support through supplementation is a critical component of healing.

The Most Common Supplements for Celiac Disease

Addressing deficiencies is best done with guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist or registered dietitian. They can order blood tests to determine specific needs. Here are some of the most frequently recommended supplements for individuals with celiac disease:

Vitamin D: Up to 88% of untreated celiac adults may have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and supports immune function. Malabsorption of this fat-soluble vitamin, combined with potential secondary lactose intolerance, can exacerbate low levels. A doctor may recommend a specific dose based on your serum levels.
Iron: Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common extra-intestinal signs of celiac disease. The proximal small intestine, where iron is primarily absorbed, is often the most damaged area. While a strict gluten-free diet can help, some patients still require specific iron supplementation, often in the form of highly absorbable chelated iron compounds like ferrous bisglycinate.
B Vitamins (B12 & Folate): Celiac disease can disrupt the absorption of vitamin B12 in the ileum and folate in the small intestine. Deficiencies in these vitamins can cause anemia, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. Many gluten-free packaged foods are not fortified with folate, which can be an issue. A B-complex supplement can address deficiencies in both B12 and folate.
Calcium & Magnesium: Damage to the small intestine, coupled with potentially lower dairy consumption, can impact calcium levels. Magnesium is also commonly depleted and is vital for bone health, nerve function, and energy production. Calcium and magnesium work together, and supplementing with both can be crucial for recovering bone mineral density.
Zinc: An essential mineral for wound healing, immune function, and repairing the gut lining, zinc is another common deficiency. Studies have shown that many celiac patients have low zinc levels, which may not fully normalize even on a gluten-free diet. Zinc supplements can assist in mucosal repair.
L-Glutamine: This amino acid is the primary fuel for the cells lining the intestines. L-Glutamine supplementation can support the repair and rebuilding of the intestinal lining, helping to calm inflammation and seal the intestinal barrier.
Probiotics: While not a cure, probiotics may help restore a healthy gut microbiome that is often disrupted in celiac patients, potentially assisting with digestion and reducing symptoms. Spore-based probiotics are often recommended as they are more likely to survive the harsh stomach environment to reach the intestines.

Choosing Safe and Effective Supplements

Selecting the right supplement is critical for celiac patients to avoid accidental gluten exposure through cross-contamination. Always look for third-party certification, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark, to ensure the product is reliably gluten-free. Not all products from a single brand are necessarily safe, so reading each label is essential. Opt for high-quality, reputable brands that test their products for potency and purity.

Supplement Comparison Table


Supplement	Primary Role in Celiac Recovery	Absorption Consideration
Vitamin D	Bone health, immune modulation	Fat-soluble; take with a meal containing fat
Iron	Prevents anemia, reduces fatigue	Ferrous bisglycinate is often best tolerated
B Vitamins (Complex)	Energy production, nerve health, red blood cell formation	Bioavailable forms like methylcobalamin are preferred
Calcium	Bone mineralization	Needs Vitamin D for proper absorption
Zinc	Gut repair, immune function, wound healing	Take separately from iron and calcium if needed
L-Glutamine	Feeds intestinal cells, repairs gut lining	Often taken on an empty stomach

How a Strict Gluten-Free Diet Affects Supplement Needs

After diagnosis and adhering to a strict gluten-free diet, the small intestine can begin to heal, and nutrient absorption may improve over time. However, the healing process varies greatly among individuals, and some deficiencies can persist for years. Furthermore, many gluten-free products are not fortified with the same level of vitamins and minerals as their gluten-containing counterparts, creating new dietary challenges. Regular monitoring through blood tests is the best way to track your progress and determine if continued supplementation is necessary. Your healthcare provider will help you adjust supplement needs as your health improves.

Beyond Supplements: Holistic Gut Health

While supplements are powerful tools for addressing specific deficiencies, they are not a substitute for a nutrient-dense, whole-foods-based gluten-free diet. Focusing on healing the gut involves a multi-pronged approach that includes diet, stress management, and lifestyle. Incorporating prebiotic-rich foods (onions, garlic, asparagus) can feed beneficial gut bacteria. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep all contribute to the body's ability to heal. For more information on celiac disease management, see the resources provided by the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.

Conclusion: Personalized Care is Key

For those asking what supplements should I take for celiac, the answer is personal and requires a partnership with your medical team. Celiac disease frequently causes deficiencies in key nutrients like iron, vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, and zinc due to intestinal damage. Correcting these imbalances with targeted, third-party certified gluten-free supplements is a vital part of the recovery process. A strict gluten-free diet is the foundation, but supplements, combined with regular testing and professional guidance, ensure your body gets the nourishment it needs to fully heal and thrive.

[The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University: https://www.celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many individuals with celiac disease continue to have trouble absorbing nutrients even after starting a gluten-free diet, especially in the initial healing stages. Additionally, some gluten-free foods lack the fortification found in gluten-containing products, potentially leading to ongoing deficiencies.

There is no single 'best' brand, but it is crucial to choose brands that offer third-party certification (e.g., GFCO). Examples of brands often recommended include Pure Encapsulations, Nature Made (check individual labels), and Garden of Life.

While a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is the foundation of health, the malabsorption caused by celiac disease can make it difficult to get sufficient amounts of certain nutrients, like vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12, from food alone. Supplements are often necessary to replenish stores and maintain adequate levels.

L-glutamine is an amino acid that is the primary fuel source for the cells lining the small intestine. Supplementing with it can help support the repair and rebuilding process of the gut lining damaged by gluten exposure, though it is not a cure.

Probiotics can help restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is often disrupted in individuals with celiac disease. Some strains may help reduce inflammation and improve digestive symptoms, but more research is needed to determine the most effective strains and dosages.

Yes, you should be extremely cautious about cross-contamination. Always choose supplements that are explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free. Some manufacturers process supplements in facilities that also handle gluten, posing a risk.

Regular monitoring of nutrient levels through blood tests is recommended, especially after an initial diagnosis. Your doctor or dietitian can advise on the appropriate testing frequency based on your specific deficiencies and healing progress.