What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder which affects many organs in the body when untreated. It commonly affects the small intestine and results in an inability to absorb nutrients properly. Once thought to be rare, research now indicates that celiac disease (CD) affects 1 in 133 people in the U.S. and is considered to be widely under diagnosed. Complications of undiagnosed CD include anemia, osteoporosis, fertility problems, and malnutrition, to list a few.

Symptoms of CD may be gastrointestinal or seemingly non-intestinal. Symptoms may include anemia, constipation, diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss, bloating, lactose intolerance, skin problems, dental enamel defects, failure to thrive, and muscle wasting. Some people have no symptoms whatsoever. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder.

The sole treatment for CD is a lifelong, stringent “gluten-free” diet (GFD). Commonly referred to as “gluten”, proteins which come from wheat, rye, and barley are harmful to people with CD and result in an autoimmune response when ingested.

In time, this response results in damage throughout the body. Wheat, barley, & their derivatives are abundant in the American diet, so the GFD is challenging – but necessary. Upon diagnosis, it is crucial for patients to receive education by a registered dietitian with knowledge of CD and the GFD. It is important to receive a firm diagnosis before beginning treatment for celiac disease.
Trisha Lyons, R.D., L.D.
MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland

Gluten Free FDA Labeling

On August 2, 2013, FDA issued a final rule defining “gluten-free” for food labeling, which will help consumers, especially those living with celiac disease, be confident that items labeled “gluten-free” meet a defined standard for gluten content.

From the Food and Drug Administration: GF Labeling Information and “Gluten-Free” Food Facts

From the Beyond Celiac: The FDA’s Ruling On Gluten-Free Food Labeling

Video: Gluten-Free “Craze”

WKYC Channel 3 Video on Gluten “Craze” November, 2011

**Support Group Note**
The GF diet is advocated for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The GF Diet is not a weight loss diet. Many GF products have added calories and lack fiber & B Vitamins.
This video has been chosen so members are aware of how the diet is perceived by the public.

Radio: The Gluten-Free Craze

The Diane Rehm Show, February 16,2012 “The Gluten Free Craze,” National Public Radio Discussion

Radio Show Guests:
Dr. Alessio Fasano professor of pediatrics, medicine and physiology and director of the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research (CFCR) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

Dr. Aline Charabaty director of the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at Georgetown University Hospital

Melissa Abbot director, Culinary Insights, The Hartman Group

Katherine Tallmadge dietician, nutritionist and past spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

To listen to broadcast click here

Transcript of show is also.available.