Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats

I always consider it a huge success when both my kids eat the same meal–this morning they both had Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oatmeal for breakfast. My daughter had it plain. My son had a little coconut milk and agave in it. For many years, I did not include oatmeal in our diet. I wanted to make sure everyone was healthy, absorbing nutrients and growing before I included oats. Although oats themselves do not contain gluten, because of field rotation and processing, unless they are labeled gluten free, they probably contain traces of gluten. Also, although studies have shown a small amounts of oats are safe for people who have celiac, the amount used in the study was a very, very small (1/4 cup for an adult)–and some people who could not tolerate oats, might have dropped out of the study. So, according to the research I have seen, I assume some people with celiac can tolerate oats in limited quantities. Also, Bob’s Red Mill makes gluten free and regular oats so make sure you get the gluten free rolled or steel cut oats if you are on a gluten free diet.

Also, read all about how Bob is turning over his company to his employees in the ABC News report: Owner of Multi-Million Dollar Company Hands Over Business to Employees.

Oatmeal is a wonderful way to start off the day, but I wouldn’t suggest ever going overboard with oatmeal because like most unsoaked whole grains, they contain phytic acid which binds to calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. So if everyone is healthy and growing, indulging in gluten free oatmeal three times a week, at most, is fine. But having oatmeal every day is not a good idea for anyone, whether they are gluten free or not.

Thinking that non GF oats are not contaminated with gluten? Think again. According to Wikipedia entry on gluten sensitivity, a 2008 study Measurement of Wheat Gluten and Barley in Contaminated Oats from Europe, the Unites States and Canada found that 85 of the 109 sources of oats screened were contaminated with gluten.

WHAT TO FEED YOUR KIDS: Gluten free oats three times a week for everyone who is healthy and growing is fine. If your kid’s gut health or development is still compromised, avoid oats until they are better.

Related Posts:
Can Oats Be Included on a Gluten Free Diet?
Whole Grains and Calcium