What is the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which a person cannot tolerate gluten. When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, it leads to damage of the mucosal lining of the small intestine. They are then not able to properly absorb nutrients, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, anemia, slowed growth, weight loss, and even more serious health problems. It also leads to digestive symptoms including gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The primary treatment for celiac disease is to avoid gluten. Gluten intolerance is different in that a person will test negative for celiac disease or a wheat allergy, but may experience digestive issues or other symptoms after consuming gluten. Some people with gluten intolerance may be able to tolerate a small amount of gluten—for example a gluten-free food that has come into contact with gluten from a shared surface like a toaster—but others will not. The best way to identify a gluten intolerance is to keep a log of food intake and symptoms, to identify if gluten is the problem. If you think you have either celiac disease or gluten intolerance, seek help from a healthcare provider. Once you have a diagnosis (or if you don’t have celiac but aren’t sure if you have gluten intolerance), it can also be helpful to work with a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive disorders and gluten-free diets to help you navigate changes you may need to make to your diet.

What other vitamins and supplements is gluten commonly found in?

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, protein powders, and other types of supplements are naturally gluten-free in their pure forms. However, supplements usually contain fillers and stabilizers in order to package them in a way that is safe and easy for you to consume. These fillers may contain gluten. “Common ingredients to watch out for include wheat starch, or modified starch or dextrin derived from a wheat source,” says Gorin. But there’s also the possibility that an ingredient or entire supplement could have had contact with gluten in a manufacturing facility. That’s why choosing certified gluten-free supplements is essential for someone who needs to avoid gluten.

Which seals and certifications should I look for on gluten-free supplements?

There are three major organizations: NSF International, Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), and BRC Global Standards. Any of these seals indicate that a third party has verified that the product is gluten-free.

The 11 Best Gluten-Free Vitamin Brands

If you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, following a gluten-free diet is essential, and you'll want to make sure any vitamins or other supplements you're taking are also gluten-free. That means avoiding anything that contains wheat, barley, rye, and any derivatives of these foods, which may be found in some supplements, and instead choosing gluten-free foods and supplements that are certified gluten-free.

Common gluten-containing ingredients found in supplements include “those derived from gluten-containing grains, which may hide as starch, modified starch, dextrin, maltodextrin, and other various fillers, coatings, binders, and thickeners. It’s also important to avoid fibers or beta-glucans from gluten-containing grains,” says Elyse Krawtz, RDN, CSOWM, LD, CLT.

“Even if a product is made without gluten-containing ingredients, cross contamination can occur during production,” says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN. It is often beneficial to look for supplements that are certified gluten-free by a third party organization such as NSF International, Certified Gluten-Free Organization (CGFO), or BRC Global Standards, because this ensures that there hasn’t been any cross contamination with gluten at both the ingredient and the manufacturing levels. Just like with other supplements, you’ll also want to consider the form, dose, and other ingredients when choosing a supplement.

Those who are taking medications should consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they can impact absorption and efficacy of certain medications.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.

Our Top Picks

Country Life at Amazon

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Garden of Life at Amazon

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New Chapter at Amazon

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Pure Encapsulations at Amazon

Standard Process at Amazon

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Smarty Pants at Amazon

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Nature Made at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Are Gluten-Free Supplements Beneficial?
Who May Not Benefit from Gluten-Free Supplements?
How We Select
What to Look For
How Much is Too Much?
FAQ

Country Life

Pros

Certified gluten-free (GFCO)
NSF certified facility
Non-GMO, USDA organic, and vegan products

Cons

Do not offer prenatal multivitamins

Country Life is a pioneer in gluten-free supplements as one of the first brands to be certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), meaning they contain no more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, half the standard the FDA requires (20ppm). Every single product (and their entire facility) is gluten-free.

Country Life is a USDA organic manufacturer. This doesn't mean that all of their products are certified organic, but it does mean they are qualified to manufacture certified organic products. They produce many certified organic products that will have the certified organic seal on the product label. Their main facility is also NSF-GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) registered.

They offer over 200 supplements including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fish oils, amino acids, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and more, many of which are also certified vegan, Kosher, and Halal. Their products come in capsules, chewables, gummies, liquid, lozenges, powder, softgels, and sprays.

Their products are free from artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives, as well as corn, yeast, soy, milk, and salt. As a certified B-corp they prioritize sustainability for both the environment and their people. In addition, their packaging boxes are made from recycled paperboard.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Many | Gluten-Free Certifications: Certified gluten-free | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: Some products}

Garden of Life

Pros

NSF gluten-free certified
Carbon neutral company
Organic, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO products

Cons

Some products contain herbal ingredients and enzymatic blends that may not be suitable for all

Garden of Life has five lines of supplements, many of which are gluten-free. The company prioritizes third-party certifications, including two different gluten-free certifications: NSF certified gluten-free and Certified gluten-free. “This ensures that the company has a gluten-free compliance plan and conducts site inspections of its production and handling facilities. During this process, accredited inspectors test to make sure that the products contain 20 parts per million or less of gluten,” notes Gorin.

In addition to its gluten-free offerings, the Garden of Life employs 18 different third-party certifications to ensure the highest quality ingredients and those that meet specific dietary, religious, athletic, and sustainability needs. Many of their products are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, certified vegan, NSF certified for sport, and certified cruelty free. The company is also committed to sustainability and as of 2021 earned the carbon neutral certification as they are carbon-free on both a brand and product level.

They offer a wide range of supplements from vitamins and minerals to herbs, protein powders, probiotics, and digestive enzymes, which come in capsule, gummy, liquid, spray, and powder forms. The thing to watch out for with many of the Garden of Life products is that some contain additional digestive enzymes, herbs, or probiotics that may be unnecessary or even problematic for some people. If you’re considering one of their products, review the label carefully and check with your healthcare provider to ensure the ingredients are safe for you.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsules, gummies, liquid, spray, powders | Gluten-Free Certifications: NSF gluten-free and Certified gluten-free | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: Some products}

New Chapter

Pros

Many products NSF certified gluten-free
Certified B-corp
Many vegan, organic, and non-GMO products

Cons

Some products contain herbal ingredients and enzymatic blends that may not be suitable for all

New chapter is another supplement brand that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and third-party verifications. Over 75 of their products are NSF certified gluten-free, including many vitamins and minerals that people with celiac disease are more likely to be deficient in such as iron, vitamin D, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Many are also NSF contents certified—a rigorous third-party certification ensuring the safety of the ingredients— as well as USDA organic, certified vegan, and Non-GMO project verified, among other third-party certifications.

They offer vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, mushrooms, and fish oil in capsules, tablets, and gummies. Many of their products include fermented vitamins and minerals, which they claim enhances absorption, though there is no research to support this.

Many of the New Chapter products are combination products, meaning they include multiple different vitamins and minerals. This may be helpful for those who have more than one nutrient deficiency but is something to be aware of when choosing a product if you are taking other medications that could interact with certain nutrients.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsules, tablets, gummies | Gluten-Free Certifications: NSF gluten-free | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: Some products}

Pure Encapsulations

Pros

Certified gluten-free
Allergy-friendly

Cons

Expensive
Some supplements contain megadoses that should only be taken under the care of a healthcare professional

Known for their quality supplements that are allergen-friendly, Pure Encapsulations products are a good choice for anyone needing to avoid gluten. They offer over 300 gluten-free supplements, verified by Certified Gluten-Free Organization, and many are free from peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, dairy, and artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.

You’ll find an extensive product list available in nearly every form including capsules, soft-gels, liquids, chewables, powders, gummies, and lozenges, with a product to meet almost any nutrient-need. Some products do require refrigeration and some, such as gummies and chewables, contain added sugars or sugar alcohols.

Some of their supplements contain mega doses of nutrients, so it’s important to always be aware of tolerable upper intake levels (UL) as established by the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and ensure you’re choosing a safe dose for you.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Many | Gluten-Free Certifications: Certified gluten-free | Organic: no | Non-GMO: Some products}

MegaFood

Pros

Many products are NSF certified gluten-free
Made from whole foods
Organic, Non-GMO, and vegan

Cons

Some products contain herbal ingredients and enzymatic blends that may not be suitable for all

If you’re looking for a supplement that is made from whole foods, MegaFood fits the bill. They offer a wide variety of supplements from multivitamins, including prenatal, postnatal and kids options, to individual nutrients and some herbal supplements. Look for the NSF gluten-free logo on the supplement bottle, which you’ll find on over 40 of their supplements.

MegaFood prioritizes sourcing quality ingredients that are vegan, Non-GMO, USDA organic, kosher, and glyphosate free. They’re also made without the top nine allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish, eggs and sesame).

Some of their products contain additional nutrients, enzymes, or probiotics that may be unnecessary for you. If you do choose MegaFood, read the entire ingredient list to ensure that every ingredient is safe for you since there are nutrients (including those that are derived from whole food) that can interact with medications or make certain medical conditions worse.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, gummy, powder, tablet | Gluten-Free Certifications: NSF certified gluten-free | Organic: Yes | Non-GMO: Yes}

Amazon

Pros

Many products NSF certified
Rigorous gluten-free protocol
Extensive line of supplements

Cons

Some products contain mega doses—check with a healthcare provider before taking
Many products are expensive

Thorne is known in the supplement industry for their quality supplements. Many of Thorne’s products are NSF contents certified or NSF certified for sport, two third-party certifications that ensure accuracy of labels and that there aren’t any harmful contaminants. While Thorne products are not certified gluten-free by one of our recommended organizations, Thorne has a very rigorous testing process including lab-testing to ensure any products that are labeled gluten-free are in-fact gluten-free.

Thorne’s extensive product line ranges from vitamins and minerals to protein powders, adaptogenic herbs, probiotics, and other combination products. If you need a gluten-free supplement, it’s important to review individual supplements labels to ensure the one you want is gluten-free. Also, be mindful about dosing and types of supplements you choose as some of the products contain mega doses or ingredients that may interact with certain medications or even make symptoms of some conditions worse.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, gel-cap, liquid, powder, tablet | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: No | Non-GMO: No}

Jarrow

Pros

Many products ConsumerLab.com Top Picks
Wide range of gluten-free products
USDA Organic

Cons

No multivitamins or prenatal vitamins
Expensive

Jarrow Formulas has been making supplements for almost 50 years, and has grown from just a handful of supplements to hundreds of options that support a variety of health needs. Their supplements are made in an NSF verified facility, many products are top picks on ConsumerLab.com, and many are gluten-free. It’s important to note that because they are not certified gluten-free, you’ll want to check labels and those with celiac disease may want to contact the company to verify the product is safe for you.

They offer a wide range of products from individual vitamins and probiotics to herbs and antioxidants. Their product line covers the lifespan from babies and kids to older adults with an emphasis on supplements to support digestive wellness.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, gel-cap, liquid, powder, tablet | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: Yes | Non-GMO: Yes}

Amazon

Pros

Extensive in-house testing for quality and safety
Wide gluten-free product line
Many organic and vegan options

Cons

No multivitamins or prenatal vitamins

Over 150 of the products made by Standard Process are gluten-free. These include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbal blends, protein bars, and more. Standard process is committed to producing high-quality supplements, and the majority of them are made from the ingredients grown on their certified organic farm. They also take sustainability seriously with commitments to composting, water conservation, carbon footprint reductions, and more.

Standard Process has extensive in-house quality and safety testing protocols to ensure that what’s in the supplement package matches the label and doesn’t contain harmful contaminants. Their gluten-free product line meets FDA standards for less than 20 ppm of gluten and are tested each time they are processed to ensure they meet those requirements. Because not every product is gluten-free, be sure to read labels to ensure a product is safe for you.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, tablet, powder | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: Yes | Non-GMO: Yes}

Amazon

Pros

Many NSF certified products
Allergen-friendly products

Cons

Contain added sugar

For those that prefer a gummy vitamin, Smarty Pants vitamins are a great choice. They make a variety of vitamin and probiotic supplements to support young kids through adulthood, including pregnancy. All of their supplements are top 8 allergen-free and gluten-free. Since their products are not certified gluten-free, it’s important to review labels and check with the company to ensure a product is safe for you.

Smarty Pants gummies do contain some added sugar, so be mindful of how that fits into your total daily intake.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Gummy, liquid | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: Some products | Non-GMO: No}

Amazon

Pros

USP verified products
Budget-friendly

Cons

Many products are not vegan

Nature Made is a well known supplement brand that offers quality supplements at an affordable price. Their product line ranges from vitamins and minerals to sleep aids and antioxidants. Many of their products are gluten-free, though it’s important to check labels and reach out to the company to ensure a product is safe for you since they are not certified gluten-free by a third-party organization.

All of Nature Made products are USP verified, a third party testing agency that ensures they contain what the label says and don’t have any harmful contaminants.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, tablet, gummy, chewable, softgel, liquid | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: No | Non-GMO: No}

Amazon.com

USP and Informed Sport verified products
Third-party testing for gluten and allergens
Certified B Corp

Multivitamins may lack key nutrients for some people

Ritual may be newer to the supplement space, but what they lack in age, they make up for in quality. They value transparency of ingredients and share ingredient sourcing information publicly. All of their products are third-party tested for heavy metal contamination, allergens, gluten, microbes, and other contaminants by either USP (the vitamin supplements) or Informed Sport (protein powders). They also test each batch for puracy and accuracy to ensure what’s on the label is in the bottle.

Their line of supplements includes multivitamins for kids, men, and women as well as a prenatal, protein powders, and pre and probiotics. Some products may not be gluten-free, so always check individual products to ensure it is before purchasing. It is also important to note that their multivitamins may be missing key nutrients for some people, so it’s important to read labels to ensure they meet your individual needs. All of their products are non-GMO, vegan, and don’t contain any artificial colors. Ritual is also a Certified B-corp and has made several sustainability commitments to reduce their carbon footprint.

^{Key Specs:
Forms: Capsule, gummy, powder | Gluten-Free Certifications: None | Organic: No | Non-GMO: Yes}

Are Gluten-Free Supplements Beneficial?

Gluten-free supplements are beneficial for those who need to take a supplement and have celiac disease or a gluten-intolerance. It is important to note that supplements are not used to treat these allergies and intolerances—the primary treatment is to avoid anything containing gluten.

It’s always best to aim to get as many nutrients as you can through food, and most people who eat a varied diet can get everything they need through food. However, some people may benefit from supplements to close nutrient gaps.

People with celiac disease. Celiac disease affects the mucosal lining of the small intestine, which is where many micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are absorbed. This may result in nutrient deficiencies. In addition, many gluten-free grain products lack the vitamins and minerals found in gluten-containing whole grains, further exacerbating the potential for nutrient deficiencies.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people. When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, your nutrient needs are higher, and supplements are often recommended to support those elevated needs. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it’s essential you choose prenatal supplements that are gluten-free.

People with a diagnosed nutrient deficiency and gluten intolerance. It’s estimated that nearly one third of the United States population has a nutrient deficiency. This may be related to dietary intake, increased needs, or an underlying medical condition. Supplements can be helpful in this case, and if you are intolerant or sensitive to gluten, choosing a gluten-free supplement is necessary.

Who May Not Benefit from Gluten-Free Supplements?

If you eat a varied diet, it’s unlikely you need to take a supplement, unless you have a known nutrient deficiency or elevated needs. However, a vitamin D supplement supplement is recommended for people who aren't getting regular access to strong sunlight, and many people may benefit from specific supplements or multivitamins depending on their life stages, dietary patterns, health conditions, and medications.

When it comes to gluten-free supplements specifically, there is no harm in taking a gluten-free supplement even if you don’t have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, because the process to get certified as gluten-free is a financial investment for companies, some gluten-free supplements may be more expensive and are not necessary for those who do not have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially if you have any other medical conditions or take any medications. Some supplements can interact with medications or worsen symptoms of medical conditions.

How We Select Supplements

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest quality products. We prioritize products that are third-party tested and certified by one of three independent, third party certifiers: USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.com.

It's important to note that the FDA does not review dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they go to market. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

What to Look For in Gluten-Free Vitamin Brands

Third-Party Testing

Supplements that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. However, it’s important to note:

Third party testing does not test to see if a product is effective or safe for everyone, and it does not ensure the supplement will not interact with other supplements or medications.
Not all third-party testing is created equal. It is not uncommon for supplement companies to pay labs for certificates after conducting minimal to no testing.
The third party certifications we can trust are: ConsumerLab.com, NSF, and USP. However, these certifications are difficult to obtain and/or expensive for manufacturers, so many companies choose not to get their products tested by one of these three organizations.
Sometimes products tested by these three companies are more expensive to try to offset the cost they pay for certification.
Just because a supplement is not tested by one of these three companies, it does not mean it’s a bad product. We recommend doing some research on the reputability of the manufacturer, and calling up the manufacturer and their testing lab to determine their protocols and decide if you feel comfortable consuming the supplement.

When it comes to choosing gluten-free supplements, third party testing is best practice to ensure that the supplement is both made without gluten-containing ingredients and there hasn’t been any cross contamination at both the ingredient level and the manufacturer level. Look for either the Certified gluten-free logo or the NSF gluten-free logo. You can also search for NSF certified products or those verified by the gluten-free certification at their individual websites.

There are many brands, including some in this roundup, that make quality gluten-free products that aren’t third-party tested. If you’re choosing a brand that isn’t certified gluten-free, review labels and check with the company to ensure it’s safe for you. “I often search in the ‘FAQ’ section or will reach out to a company directly to ask on behalf of my patients, and instruct patients to do the same,” says Suzie Finkel, MS, RD, CDN, who works with many patients with celiac disease.

Form

Gluten-free supplements come in a variety of forms, including capsule, tablet, soft gel, liquid, chewable, gummy, powder, and spray form. Gummies, chewables, powders, liquid or sprays may be helpful to those who have trouble swallowing pills. Some of these products do contain added sugar and others may require refrigeration. The best form for you is the one you will take regularly.

Ingredients & Potential Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you or your child is taking.

Herbs, enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants: Some vitamin brands include additional ingredients in their vitamin and mineral supplements. These ingredients can interact with medications and potentially make some medical conditions worse. They may also lead to unwanted side effects. Always check with a healthcare provider to determine if a product and its ingredients are safe for you.

Sugars: Some vitamins, especially gummies, chewables, and some liquids, contain added sugars to make the product more palatable. The World Health Organization recommends adults limit added sugar intake to less than 10 percent of total energy (about 50g of added sugar for someone eating 2,000 calories per day), though the American Heart Association recommends half that for women (25g/day) and about 70 percent of that (36g) for men. The amount of sugar in vitamins is typically very small, but worth considering in the context of your overall diet, particularly if you have a condition that requires closer monitoring of added sugar intake, such as those with diabetes.

Gluten-Free Supplement Dosage

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to understand which dosage to take.

The amount you need will vary by which vitamin, mineral, or other type of supplement you are taking. Vitamins and minerals have a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) or adequate intake level (AI) and many have a tolerable upper limit (UL), which you can find via the National Institutes of Health. Other supplements such as herbs, probiotics, antioxidants, and enzymes may not have established doses, so it’s important you work with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount for you.

How Much is Too Much?

It’s important to ensure that you aren’t taking more of any individual nutrient than the Tolerable Upper intake level (UL) established by the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Some nutrients such as fat soluble vitamins A,D, E, and K can be stored in fat tissue and can be dangerous in excess. Minerals such as iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, selenium, co paper, molybdenum, and manganese can lead to serious side effects if consumed in excess.

Whether it's a multivitamin or an individual nutrient, you can ensure your supplement does not exceed those upper limits by running your supplement by a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which a person cannot tolerate gluten. When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, it leads to damage of the mucosal lining of the small intestine. They are then not able to properly absorb nutrients, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, anemia, slowed growth, weight loss, and even more serious health problems. It also leads to digestive symptoms including gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The primary treatment for celiac disease is to avoid gluten.
Gluten intolerance is different in that a person will test negative for celiac disease or a wheat allergy, but may experience digestive issues or other symptoms after consuming gluten. Some people with gluten intolerance may be able to tolerate a small amount of gluten—for example a gluten-free food that has come into contact with gluten from a shared surface like a toaster—but others will not. The best way to identify a gluten intolerance is to keep a log of food intake and symptoms, to identify if gluten is the problem.
If you think you have either celiac disease or gluten intolerance, seek help from a healthcare provider. Once you have a diagnosis (or if you don’t have celiac but aren’t sure if you have gluten intolerance), it can also be helpful to work with a registered dietitian who specializes in digestive disorders and gluten-free diets to help you navigate changes you may need to make to your diet.
What other vitamins and supplements is gluten commonly found in?

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, protein powders, and other types of supplements are naturally gluten-free in their pure forms. However, supplements usually contain fillers and stabilizers in order to package them in a way that is safe and easy for you to consume. These fillers may contain gluten.
“Common ingredients to watch out for include wheat starch, or modified starch or dextrin derived from a wheat source,” says Gorin. But there’s also the possibility that an ingredient or entire supplement could have had contact with gluten in a manufacturing facility. That’s why choosing certified gluten-free supplements is essential for someone who needs to avoid gluten.
Which seals and certifications should I look for on gluten-free supplements?

There are three major organizations: NSF International, Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), and BRC Global Standards. Any of these seals indicate that a third party has verified that the product is gluten-free.