One in every 133 people
in the US
may have Celiac Disease. The only known treatment is to eliminate all foods containing gluten.
Prevalence of Celiac Disease
in the US: (taken from the University
of Chicago Celiac Disease Program Fact Sheet) In average healthy people: 1 in 133
In people with related symptoms: 1 in 56
In people with first-degree relatives (parent, child, sibling) who are celiac: 1 in 22
In people with second-degree relatives (aunt, uncle, cousins) who are celiac: 1 in 39
Investigators determined that 60% of children and 41% of adults diagnosed during the study were asymptomatic (without
any symptoms).
The average length of time it takes for a symptomatic person to be diagnosed with CD in the US is 11 years, this type
of delay dramatically increases and individuals risk for developing autoimmune disorders, neurological problems, osteoporosis
and even cancer.
Face the Numbers: (statistics
also from Univ of Chicago CD Program) Univ of Chicago CD Info line: 773-702-7593
Chronic Illness in US
Epilepsy affects 2.8
million
Cystic Fibrosis: 30,000 people
Parkinson’s Disease: 500,000
Autism: 556,000
Crohn’s Disease: 500,000
Celiac Disease: 2.2 Million
Celiac Disease can
also be related to Diabetes, Infertility and Down syndrome
Celiac Disease is a genetic,
autoimmune disease that affects the digestive system. When an individual consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley
and oats, it damages the lining of the small intestine (makes it like a slip n’ slide). As a result, the small intestine
loses its ability to absorb nutrients from food, which leads to malnutrition and other health complications.