Celiac Disease Symptoms, Testing & Diet

We’re driving a cure for celiac disease.

Beyond Celiac has the strategic science plan, the people and the passion to accelerate a cure by 2030.

How we’re achieving our goal

Why Research Matters

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease

1 in 5 children with celiac disease isn't healing on the gluten-free diet

44% who follow a strict gluten-free diet still get glutened once a month

Many with celiac disease pay over 40% more in annual healthcare costs

Celiac disease is associated with a higher risk of brain damage and mental health issues, based on brain images and cognitive test scores

Finding treatments and curing celiac disease will advance research for other autoimmune diseases

Celiac disease can lead to anemia, infertility, osteoporosis, and even certain cancers

Participate in research

Why Research Matters

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease

1 in 5 children with celiac disease isn't healing on the gluten-free diet

44% who follow a strict gluten-free diet still get glutened once a month

Many with celiac disease pay over 40% more in annual healthcare costs

Celiac disease is associated with a higher risk of brain damage and mental health issues, based on brain images and cognitive test scores

Finding treatments and curing celiac disease will advance research for other autoimmune diseases

Celiac disease can lead to anemia, infertility, osteoporosis, and even certain cancers

Participate in research

How We’re Making a Difference

2022

Beyond Celiac Research Summit brings together scientists, clinicians, pharma, and patients to discuss the latest in celiac science

2021

Beyond Celiac announces an early-career grant in partnership with SSCD to attract researchers to the field of celiac disease
Beyond Celiac hosts a mini-conference to discuss those "left behind" in the world of celiac disease diagnosis
Beyond Celiac partners with the University of Sheffield to research neuropathology of celiac disease
First Virtual Town Hall launched to connect the community with celiac disease experts
Beyond Celiac partners with Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) to commit up to $1 million to accelerate celiac disease research

2020

Beyond Celiac partners with National Minority Quality Forum to target inequalities in celiac disease diagnosis and treatment
Beyond Celiac chosen as the exclusive patient organization to recruit for the first-ever phase 3 clinical trial for celiac disease
Summer Intern Council launches to engage college students in the mission to cure celiac disease

2019

Beyond Celiac awards $600,000 in research grants to 3 scientists
Beyond Celiac hosts our 2nd Research Summit to address how to accomplish the goal of developing celiac disease treatments
3rd Beyond Celiac Research Symposium
Beyond Celiac launches first of its kind mobile app companion for Go Beyond Celiac
1st Step Beyond Celiac 5K Event in Philadelphia

2018

2nd Beyond Celiac Research Symposium
Beyond Celiac celebrates its 15th Anniversary

2017

1st Annual Beyond Celiac Research Symposium
1st Step Beyond Celiac 5K Event in Kansas City

2016

Beyond Celiac offers grant to screen at-risk relatives in NC
Team members present at the prestigious Standford MedX conference
Launched #60ForCeliac campaign to show what it's like to live with celiac disease
Trained 630 foodservice professionals in safe gluten-free cooking

2015

NFCA launches first national family testing campaign, Seriously Celiac Disease: Talk Tell Test
NFCA hosts Research Summit to drive innovation and collaboration among researchers
NFCA becomes Beyond Celiac
The new Beyond Celiac website is launched

2014

NFCA becomes top resource for understanding the FDA gluten-free food labeling law
NFCA studies barriers to celiac disease testing in at-risk family members
NFCA launches the GREAT Schools, Colleges & Camps training program

2013

NFCA formally supports the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act
NFCA endorses the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP)

2012

beyondceliac.org surpasses 1 million visitors
NFCA participates in program to gather signatures to push gluten-free food labeling laws through the FDA
NFCA distributes survey on celiac disease and fertility

2011

NFCA participates in “1 in 133” lobbying event in DC to push gluten-free labeling standards
Alice Bast receives the Philadelphia Award'
FDA grant to study gluten in medications awarded to NFCA

2010

NFCA produces first Gluten-Free Pavilion at National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show
beyondceliac.org rated as one of “10 Great Website with Accurate Information”
beyondceliac.org ranked “#1 Resource for Celiac Facts”
NFCA launches initiative focused on celiac disease and women’s health

2009

NFCA launches first of its kind GREAT Healthcare programs
NFCA launches CME for primary care providers

2008

First Appetite for Awareness event held in Philadelphia
NFCA creates continuing education programming for pharmacists
NFCA hosted two Gluten in Medications Educational Session events
NFCA begins free monthly webinars
NFCA launches GREAT Kitchens to train restaurants in safe gluten-free food preparation

2007

First Gluten-Free Cooking Spree is held
Alice Bast joins Alliance for a Stronger FDA
Alice Bast becomes member of the FDA panel on food labeling

2006

First ever campaign to raise public awareness of celiac disease launches
NFCA launches the first Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist
NFCA educates community on food labeling laws in the absence of a gluten-free food labeling law
New web section created to help the community voice their opinion on gluten-free food labeling

2005

NFCA submits letter to the FDA highlighting the need for consistent gluten-free food labeling

2003

Alice Bast founds the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA)

Fast Facts About Celiac Disease view all

An estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.

It is estimated that 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.

6-10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed. (Source: Daniel Leffler, MD, MS, The Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center)