Did You Know...

Here are some interesting facts about celiacs...

  • In the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), it is now believed that 1 in 100 people is a celiac.  That makes 3 million Americans out of our 300 million population (approximate).
  • Less than 2% of celiacs are diagnosed.
  • From the onset of symptoms the average length of time that a celiac takes to get successfully diagnosed is approximately 12 years.  That is why awareness is so important.
  • Celiac Disease affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, though it is more prevalent in Caucasians of European Descent.

  • Celiacs who follow the diet live longer than the general population, in part because the diet is void of most unhealthy processed foods.
  • About 50% of celiacs are lactose intolerant upon diagnosis.
  • A gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms of patients suffering from autism.
  • Although symptoms may change from time to time, you cannot outgrow celiac disease.
  • Celiacs improve dramatically on the gluten free diet and most of the previous clinical manifestations linked to untreated celiac disease disappear with time.
  • Celiac is called coeliac in Europe and other regions throughout the world.

Remember, it is not bad news to have celiac disease.

How many conditions can you have where you don't need medication to get better?

The prognosis following a strict diet is excellent

There are many interesting facts about how celiacs are viewed around the world.  For instance, in Italy......did you know?

  • 58 million people live in Italy and there are approximately 55,000 diagnosed celiacs (1 in 1,000!).  However, the actual ratio is believed to be 1 in 150 people!
  • Celiacs cannot join the army due to dietary restrictions.
  • All gluten-free food is free.  This is because Italy has a social heathcare system.  Gluten-free food is provided by pharmacies.
  • There are additional mandated vacation days for celiacs.
  • Celiac tests are free for family members.

Central Coast Celiacs provides basic information about Celiac Disease/Dermatitis Herpetiformis. Physician packages are also available upon request. Information shared by this support group does not constitute medical advice. Betty Guthrie and Isabella Porter are not physicians. Central Coast Celiacs does not recommend initiation of a gluten free diet without first consulting a physician familiar with CD/DH.

The information provided herein should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional well versed on CD/DH should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions listed. Links to other websites are provided for informational purposes only, and they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.