Sir, - I refer to an article "Oats aren't out for coeliacs" (January 6th), in which Ms Holmquist reported on recent trials carried out by St James's Hospital on coeliacs using oats in their diets. The results of the trials indicated that oats were suitable for coeliacs as part of their gluten-free diet.
While the report is correct, it does not provide the full picture and could be misleading to coeliacs. The oats used in the trials were imported from Germany, where they had been specially grown under controlled conditions to ensure that they were pure and not contaminated by wheat. They are not available commercially.
It is difficult to acquire oats which have not been contaminated by wheat. All of the oats and oatlets used for porridge which are available in shops and supermarkets cannot claim to be totally free of traces of wheat. In addition, some doctors and specialists still claim that oats, even in their pure form, are not a suitable food for some coeliacs who may be particularly sensitive to gluten. Because of this, the Coeliac Society advises caution to any coeliac planning to eat products containing oats.
Coeliacs wishing to obtain further clarification on this matter may contact the Coeliac Society of Ireland, Carmichael House, 4 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Tel (01) 8721471. Fax (01) 8735737. - Yours, etc.,
Public relations officer,
Coeliac Society of Ireland.