People with celiac disease face a nearly twofold increased risk of developing heart disease. Step One Foods has launched the first and only line of physician-formulated, gluten-free foods specifically designed to help reduce that risk.
 
“Many gluten-free foods in the marketplace are nutritionally inferior and even counterproductive to cardiovascular disease prevention,” states Cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, MD, FACC, co-founder and chief medical officer of Step One Foods. “Each ingredient in every Step One product has a specific nutritional purpose and was chosen for its heart health-promoting properties.”

All Step One Foods contain scientifically-proven levels of the four critical nutritional building blocks of cardiovascular health: plant sterols, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Each serving contains at least 1000mg of plant sterols, 2000 µmol of antioxidants, 1500mg of omega-3 fatty acids, and 5g of fiber.

Executive Director of the Celiac Support Association, Mary A. Schluckebier, comments, “The increased risk for heart disease is a big health issue for patients with celiac disease. We need to increase awareness and encourage efforts to reduce that risk.”  
 
The Step One Foods gluten-free product line includes Whole Oats and Walnut Pancake Mix; Dark Chocolate Crunch Bars; Cranberry Pecan Bars; Blueberry Cinnamon Oatmeal; Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix; and Anytime Sprinkle. Every product is pre-portioned and comes in a single serve package requiring minimal to no preparation. Step One Foods contain no additives, chemicals, flavorings or colorings.

“We developed our collection of Step One Foods to serve as the nutritional foundation of a comprehensive heart health plan for all patients at risk for heart disease—including those with celiac disease,” explains food-industry veteran Barbara Birr, co-founder of Step One.

Step One Foods, based in Minneapolis, is a women-owned, mission-driven business dedicated to improving health through nutrition. For more information and to shop products, call 866-543-4273 or visit StepOneFoods.com.