Inclusion Criteria:

• - Recent diagnosis of CeD (within 3 months of starting a GFD) based on specific CeD serology (elevated anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA, deaminated gliadin peptides IgG or anti-endomysial antibodies IgA) and confirmed by duodenal biopsies showing villous atrophy (Marsh 3a or greater).

The allowance of 3 months is related to 1) the time lag between tTG and confirmatory EGD testing in clinical practice and 2) the time lag between diagnosis and dietitian assessment, which will increase likelihood of achieving a strict GFD.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Have already removed oats from the diet; 2. History of allergic reaction to oats. 3. Prior assessment and education by RD on GFD. 4. Unwillingness or inability to commit to study procedures *Patients receiving antibiotics or probiotics within a month will be allowed to participate, however, this will be documented for future microbiota analysis.

Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic inflammatory condition triggered by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, manifesting with both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. There is a relatively high prevalence of CeD in Western populations of around 1%. People with CeD have adverse immune-mediated reactions to gluten, which is the most abundant protein in many cereal grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. Currently, the only available treatment for CeD is a gluten-free diet (GFD). Gluten-free products are defined as containing less than 20 ppm of gluten, an international standard set by Codex Alimentarius Commission based on scientific data. Oats are safe for most people with CeD, provided they are pure and uncontaminated with gluten. A small proportion of patients will react to avenin, the protein contained in oats, but this does not lead to intestinal inflammation. However, oats, including some brands labelled as gluten-free, are often contaminated with gluten, most notably from cross-contamination with wheat and barley due to agricultural practices. Furthermore, many patients remain symptomatic despite adhering to a GFD for different reasons, and concerns have been raised over whether continue eating oats to a GFD may contribute to persisting symptoms. For this reason, some experts in CeD recommend to delay the introduction of oats until 6 months after the diagnosis as part of a stabilization phase, after which the CeD is under better control and TTG autoantibody levels have decreased. However, there is no evidence this approach has any benefit over permitting the intake of GF oats from the time of diagnosis. A GFD is restrictive and has been associated with nutritional deficiencies. Oats are highly nutritious and possess additional health benefits. They are an excellent source of macro- and micro-nutrients, including B complex vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy soluble dietary fiber. These nutrients are essential in prevention of many chronic diseases such as diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, preliminary research suggests a benefit of oats on the gut microbiome. Considering how rarely CeD patients react to oats and the numerous benefits of oats for nutrition and overall health, the delayed introduction of oats into the GFD, provided they are certified GF, has come under scrutiny. Given the lack of evidence that a delayed introduction of oats is beneficial for CeD patients and the potential risks of limiting oats in a GFD, there is an unmet need to understand the benefits of one approach over the other to provide recommendations for clinical practice. This study proposes a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the impact of late compared to early introduction of oats on gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional status, disease activity and quality of life in patients with a recent diagnosis of CeD. The results of this study will provide the basis to plan an adequately powered RCT, and the results of the study will be highly relevant to guide recommendations in clinical practice on when oats should be introduced to patients with a CeD diagnosis.

Arms

Experimental: Early introduction of gluten free oats

Early introduction of oats (starting GF oats immediately after the diagnosis, within 3 months)

Active Comparator: Late introduction of gluten free oats

Late introduction of oats (starting GF oats 6 months after diagnosis of celiac disease)

Interventions

Other: - gluten-free oats

Early vs late introduction of gluten free oats