Celiac Disease: Fast Facts

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Here are some of the most staggering facts about celiac disease and the gluten-free marketplace. Each statement highlights the need for education and awareness among the medical, science, and culinary communities, as well as the general public.

• Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine’s villi and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food.
• An estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease. However, recent screening studies point to a potentially higher prevalence than 1% in the United States. 
• A mass screening program of children in Italy found the prevalence of celiac disease to be 1.6%.
• In Finland, the prevalence of celiac disease has been estimated at 1.99% of the population.
• A meta-analysis found the global incidence of celiac disease “significantly” increasing. It noted that a “genuine increase in CD incidence is occurring beyond diagnostic improvements, most likely due to environmental factors.” It also found the “pooled global prevalence of celiac disease was 1.4%”
• Celiac disease can affect men and women of all ages and races.
• It is estimated that up to 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 Deaconess Medical Center)
• Celiac disease can lead to several other disorders, including infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases. Learn more about Related Conditions »
• One in five children with celiac disease isn’t healing on the gluten-free diet.

• It has been estimated that 5-22% of people with celiac disease have an immediate family member (first-degree relative) who also has celiac disease. However, a retrospective study by the Mayo Clinic found that 44% of screened first-degree relatives had celiac disease.
• Up to 6% of Americans may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

• There are no pharmaceutical treatments or cures for celiac disease.
• A 100% gluten-free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.