The coeliac specialty service in Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital sees 400-500 patients per year and says prescriptions help patients stick to a GF diet. Gastroenterology dietitian Dr Nick Trott said: "This disease is a severe autoimmune condition, it's not an intolerance, and there is no other medical treatment apart from a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. "If these prescriptions are withdrawn the people it will affect are the poorer, more socially and economically deprived members of society, the people who are most likely to struggle to adhere to the only treatment. "It's targeting, potentially, a group of people who are most vulnerable. "I think potentially this could be seen as a short-term cost saving that will have knock-on effects down the line that would result in more healthcare costs in the long term." The change would follow national guidelines and align with neighbouring health boards. The ICB said: "If patients can't access prescribed GF products, this may increase the likelihood that they consume gluten, leading to medical complications and higher cost to the NHS. "It should be noted however that manufactured GF bread often contains ultra-processed ingredients. "By prescribing manufactured GF products, the NHS could be seen to be encouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods."