Because celiac disease damages the intestinal lining, those affected often struggle to absorb essential nutrients. Over time, this can lead to deficiencies that contribute to worsening symptoms and long-term health complications.
Some of the most common deficiencies in celiac patients include:
- Vitamin C: Supports immune function, reduces oxidative stress, and aids in tissue repair.
- Magnesium: Essential for energy production, nerve function, and reducing muscle cramps.
- B Vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12, and Folate): Support energy, cognitive function, and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin D3 & K2: Important for immune modulation and bone health, which are often compromised in celiac disease.
- Zinc: Critical for healing the gut lining, immune function, and reducing inflammation.
- Iron: Frequently low in celiac patients due to poor absorption, leading to anemia and fatigue.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, repairing damaged tissues, and supporting immune function. Since oxidative stress is a major factor in celiac-related intestinal damage, high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid or liposomal vitamin C) can help neutralize free radicals and promote gut repair.
Suggested Use:
- Ascorbic acid powder: 10,000mg daily, split into smaller doses.
- Liposomal vitamin C: 1,000–3,000mg daily for enhanced absorption.
- Vitamin C flush (periodically) to detoxify and reduce inflammation.
Celiac patients are prone to magnesium deficiency, which contributes to muscle cramps, fatigue, and anxiety. Magnesium is vital for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those that regulate stress, inflammation, and digestion.
Suggested Use:
- Magnesium Glycinate (best absorbed): 5x your body weight in milligrams. ie 150lbs x 5 = 750mg per day
- Magnesium chloride baths: 1–2 times per week for relaxation and absorption.
Since celiac disease impairs the absorption of B vitamins, deficiencies can lead to fatigue, brain fog, mood imbalances, and nerve damage (such as tingling in the hands and feet). Orthomolecular medicine emphasizes restoring B vitamin levels to optimize energy and neurological function.
Suggested Use:
- Methylated B-complex: Especially important for those with the MTHFR gene mutation, common in celiac patients.
Celiac disease is associated with poor calcium absorption and weakened bones, often leading to osteopenia or osteoporosis. Vitamin D3 and K2 work synergistically to improve calcium absorption and direct it to the bones rather than soft tissues.
Suggested Use:
- Vitamin D3: 5,000 IU daily (or more, based on blood levels).
- Vitamin K2 (MK-7): 100–200 mcg daily to support calcium metabolism.
Zinc is critical for healing the intestinal lining, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immune response. Many celiac patients are deficient in zinc, which contributes to leaky gut and poor wound healing.
Suggested Use:
- Zinc: 30–50 mg daily with food.
Due to poor iron absorption, many celiac patients suffer from iron deficiency anemia, leading to extreme fatigue, dizziness, and brittle nails. However, standard iron supplements can be hard on the stomach. Iron bisglycinate is a gentler, more bioavailable form.
Suggested Use:
- Iron bisglycinate: 25–50 mg daily with vitamin C for better absorption.
- Avoid iron supplements with calcium or high-fiber foods, as they can inhibit absorption.
Orthomolecular medicine focuses on restoring nutrient balance at a cellular level to support gut healing, energy production, and immune function in celiac disease. While a gluten-free diet is the foundation of managing celiac, addressing nutrient deficiencies can significantly improve overall health and well-being. By incorporating high-quality vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and other essential micronutrients, individuals with celiac disease can repair damage, reduce symptoms, and optimize long-term health.
Want to Learn More?
Check out the works of Dr. Linus Pauling, Dr. Andrew Saul, and Dr. Suzanne Humphries for more on orthomolecular nutrition and disease recovery.
💡 Take control of your health—start nourishing your body with the right micronutrients today!
Shop: