TUMS are a popular antacid medication used to provide relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach, and sour stomach. With many people following gluten-free diets, a common question is whether TUMS contain gluten. The quick answer is yes, all TUMS products are certified gluten-free.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause adverse health effects and symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache, anxiety, brain fog, and more. That’s why many people choose to follow a gluten-free diet and avoid products containing gluten.
Are TUMS Really Gluten-Free?
Yes, TUMS assure consumers that all of their antacid products are gluten-free. According to the TUMS website, you can enjoy TUMS even if you are on a gluten-free diet. The products do not contain any wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients.
On TUMS product labels, you can find a “Gluten Free” statement to indicate they have been tested to verify the absence of gluten. The testing ensures the amount of gluten is below 20 parts per million, meeting the requirements to be labeled as gluten-free per the FDA gluten-free labeling standards.
Ingredients in TUMS
While the specific ingredients may vary slightly between TUMS product varieties, the main active ingredients are calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. These antacid ingredients provide the neutralizing effect on stomach acid.
Other inactive ingredients may include:
- Sugar
- Corn starch
- Flavoring
- Artificial coloring
- Mineral oil
- Carnauba wax
As you can see, none of the common TUMS ingredients contain gluten. Corn starch, sugar, and coloring are typically used instead of any wheat-derived ingredients. The flavorings and waxes are also gluten-free.
Are All TUMS Products Gluten-Free?
Yes, according to the manufacturer, all varieties of TUMS antacids are certified gluten-free. Whether you choose TUMS original, TUMS extra strength, TUMS smoothies, TUMS chewy delights, or other TUMS products, they are explicitly labeled “Gluten Free” on the packaging.
Some examples of gluten-free TUMS products include:
- TUMS Regular Strength
- TUMS Extra Strength
- TUMS Ultra Strength
- TUMS Smoothies
- TUMS Chewy Bites
- TUMS Freshers
- TUMS Kids
While the formulas may contain different active ingredients, flavors, colors, or other minor variations, the entire TUMS line of products is gluten-free. So you can take TUMS as needed without worrying about gluten intake.
Precautions for Celiacs
For people with celiac disease, it’s important to note that while TUMS contain no gluten, they are produced in facilities that also manufacture products with wheat/gluten. There is a chance for cross-contamination. People with celiac disease are highly sensitive, so TUMS does not guarantee the products are 100% gluten-free.
However, many people with celiac disease still tolerate TUMS well and find them helpful for relieving heartburn and indigestion. It’s a personal choice whether the small cross-contamination risk is acceptable when purchasing over-the-counter medications like TUMS.
Other Gluten-Free Antacid Options
In addition to TUMS, other popular antacid brands also offer gluten-free products. Some examples include:
- Rolaids – Rolaids Multi-Symptom and other Rolaids formulas are labeled gluten-free.
- Pepto-Bismol – Standard Pepto-Bismol formula is gluten-free.
- Mylanta – Most Mylanta antacid formulations are gluten-free.
- Gaviscon – Gaviscon Extra Strength and other Gaviscon antacids are gluten-free.
Be sure to check the labels to confirm gluten-free status when purchasing antacids. Some flavors or varieties of these brands may contain gluten. Generic store brand antacids may also be gluten-free, but should be verified.
Other Tips for Gluten-Free Living
Following a gluten-free diet requires diligence reading ingredient labels for all foods, drinks, and medications you consume. Here are some other tips for living gluten-free:
- Check labels for “gluten-free” certification or look for the GF logo.
- Watch out for hidden sources like soy sauce, salad dressings, flavored coffees, and more.
- Find substitutes for your favorite gluten-containing foods like bread, beer, crackers, etc.
- Select naturally gluten-free whole foods like produce, meats, dairy, legumes, etc.
- Cook more meals at home so you control the ingredients.
- If dining out, check that the restaurant offers gluten-free menu options.
- Watch for cross-contamination from shared kitchen equipment.
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about menu items or labels.
Following these tips and using gluten-free products like TUMS antacids can help you avoid gluten and treat issues like heartburn while on a gluten-free diet.
The Bottom Line
TUMS can be considered gluten-free, making them a safe option for people avoiding gluten. All TUMS antacids are labeled “Gluten Free” and do not contain wheat, barley, rye or gluten-based ingredients. Other major antacid brands also offer gluten-free products. However, those with celiac disease should use caution due to the remote chance of cross-contamination. Overall, TUMS present a good gluten-free choice to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and other gastrointestinal issues.
