Celiac Disease: Fast Facts

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CELIAC DISEASE: FAST FACTS

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 and culinary communities as well as the general public.

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

• An estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease.
• Celiac disease can affect men and women of all ages and races.

• 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)

• Celiac disease can lead to a number of other disorders including infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases.
  Over a four-year period, people with undiagnosed celiac disease cost an average of $3,964 more than healthy individuals. (Source: Long et al, 2010)

• 5-22% of people with celiac disease have an immediate family member (first degree relative) who also has celiac disease.

• There are no pharmaceutical treatments or cures for celiac disease.

• A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac disease today.
• The celiac disease diagnosis rate may reach 50-60% by 2019, thanks to efforts to raise public awareness of celiac disease. (Source: Datamonitor Group, 2009)