A patient is admitted with celiac sprue. Which of the following should be done to address this patient's nutritional needs?

Question

1. Identify gluten-containing foods and eliminate them from the diet.
2. Limit iron and B vitamin intake.
3. Encourage the use of distilled vinegar.
4. Instruct the patient to consume products identified as "new and improved.".

Answer 1

Identify gluten-containing foods and eliminate them from the diet.

Rationale: Celiac sprue is a lifelong condition in which the villi in the small intestines are damaged from gluten in the diet. Gluten-containing foods must be eliminated from the diet to avoid disease symptoms. Iron and B vitamins are often added to wheat-based products. When wheat-based products are not consumed, iron and B vitamin deficiencies can result. Distilled vinegar can contain gluten and should be avoided. Food products labeled as "new and improved" should be studied for the contents, since they might contain gluten products.