Nutritional and functional properties of certain gluten-free raw materials

Since the adherence to the gluten-free diet in celiac patients affects the consumption from the grain food group, questions have been raised about the effects of such diet on calcium, iron, and fiber intake, as well as total carbohydrate and grain food consumption. Therefore, in the framework of this research, eleven types of nutritionally valuable gluten-free raw materials were proposed for consumption in gluten-free diet. They were investigated considering their macronutritive composition, different starch classes, the contents of essential minerals, dietary fiber, and polyphenols, as well as their antioxidant activity. The results were compared to the values obtained with wheat flour that was used as the reference raw material indicating that, in many aspects, the gluten-free raw materials mentioned can be considered as nutritionally more valuable in comparison to wheat flour. Especially satisfying results were obtained regarding the contents of proteins, dietary fiber, polyphenols, iron, and calcium. Therefore, the raw materials investigated can be recommended as desirable components that may contribute to the diversity, functionality, and nutritional quality of gluten-free diet.