Many coeliacs, especially when newly diagnosed, can be deficient in various vitamins and minerals and also will require a higher than normal intake of calcium to maintain bone density.

Are there any particular foods you would recommend we should or should not eat (apart from obviously not eating gluten) in order to get higher amounts of particular vitamins/minerals?

Would you recommend taking a one-a-day vitamin/mineral and also calcium supplements?

Dear Bobby

A vitamin and mineral supplement should be considered to begin with once a gluten intolerance has been diagnosed, this will help you catch up. However, many vitamins and minerals are best absorbed from food sources. For instance, calcium is much better absorbed from dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese than from other sources. (There is just as much calcium in skimmed milk than full fat milk). Fruit and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals so aim to eat your 5-a-day, and eat a good variety.

Sarah