Being able to access gluten free food on prescription is an important part of the treatment for many people diagnosed with coeliac disease. It provides staple gluten free  foods in an easily accessible and affordable way.

In our previous blog, we have looked in detail at gluten free on prescription: how to order and what’s included. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind your gluten free prescription options, including helping you to understand why, in some areas, prescriptions are not available to you.

We’ll also take a look at how Glutafin can support you in assessing your options for gluten free on prescription and integrating these into your new diet and lifestyle.

Why Does the NHS Provide Gluten Free on Prescription?

There are a number of reasons why the NHS provides gluten free on prescription in many areas. These include:

1. Medical reasons – following a gluten free diet is the only treatment for coeliac disease. Gluten free food is made available on the NHS just like any other treatment, to relieve symptoms and prevent the serious consequences that can occur if the disease goes untreated. Adherence to a gluten free diet is important, as continuing to consume gluten may result in long term medical consequences.
2. Availability – although gluten free food is more widely available than it was in the past, it can still be hard to find at budget supermarkets and local shops, particularly in more rural areas. Even the larger supermarkets can struggle with supply, particularly with staples, such as fresh bread. Getting gluten free food on prescription guarantees a regular supply.
3. Value for money – while the cost of providing gluten free on prescription may be high, it is far lower than the cost of dealing with the consequences of untreated coeliac disease, such as hip replacements due to osteoporosis.

Why Do Some Areas Not Provide Gluten Free Food on Prescription?

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, gluten free food on prescription is available in all areas, and covers a wider range of foods, including pasta, pizza bases, crackers and cereal, as well as bread and flour mixes.

However, in England, gluten free prescriptions are limited to just bread and flour mixes, and in some areas, there is no provision at all. This is because local health spending is decided by Integrated Care Boards (ICB). These boards have access to limited funds, and they decide how to allocate them.

Glutafin is Here to Support You

Whatever gluten free prescription options are available in your local area, Glutafin is here to support you in so many ways. We’re not just here to provide a range of tasty gluten free foods (although we definitely do that!). We’re also behind you on every step of your coeliac journey.

Don’t think of Glutafin as just a supplier, think of us as a community, always on hand with a word of advice, a tasty new recipe idea or some top tips to help with your gluten free lifestyle. The Glutafin website includes:

1. Expert medical articles – explaining everything you want to know about your condition, from symptoms and diagnosis to diet and nutrition
2. Lifestyle advice – to help you live with coeliac disease, from starting school to socialising, from holidays abroad to the holiday season
3. Tasty recipes – to add flavours to savour, from breakfast to midnight snacks, from summer picnics to winter warmers
4. Amazing Products – discover the full Glutafin range of gluten free food on prescription, from our exciting new sourdough-based fresh bread, to our versatile four mixes.

Join the Glutafin family today

Everyone is welcome into the Glutafin family, whether you’ve only just been diagnosed with coeliac disease or you’ve been managing the condition for years. To find out more about our gluten free prescription range, order your free taster box today and sample for yourself just how great gluten free food can be.

Frequently asked questions about gluten free food on prescription

Q. Can I buy Glutafin bread in the supermarket?

A. No. Glutafin gluten free foods are only available on prescription from your local pharmacy. However, you can buy a wide range of gluten free products from our sister brand, Schär, in most large supermarkets.

Q. Why is gluten free food offered on prescription?

A. There are many reasons for providing gluten free prescriptions. It is the only treatment for coeliac disease; it can be expensive for patients to buy, and it can be difficult to source.  What’s more, the cost of providing gluten free food on prescription is lower than the cost of care for conditions caused by untreated coeliac disease.

Q. Why does my local ICB not provide gluten free on prescription?

A. Some ICBs have decided that gluten free food on prescription is not a priority now that it is more widely available to buy, creating a postcode lottery for people with coeliac disease.

Q. Can I get gluten free on prescription if I don’t have coeliac disease?

A. No. While going gluten free maybe a lifestyle choice for some people, gluten free food on prescription is only available to people who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease (or dermatitis herpetiformis).

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