An undiagnosed problem

Many people with gluten intolerance don’t realize it

By Kim Carlson

May 8, 2007

Celiac disease (or coeliac in Great Britain), caused by a gluten intolerance, often goes undiagnosed, according to an article published this week by the BBC:

“One in 100 are believed to be at risk from the condition, but the latest research suggests only one in eight, or 12.5%, of these have been diagnosed.”

According to a recent survey, people with gluten intolerance had to visit their physicians multiple times before the diagnosis was made, even though a simple blood test is all that’s needed to determine whether celiac is present.

Often the symptoms of gluten intolerance are severe. They include “bloating, diarrhoea, chronic fatigue, breathlessness, depression and weight gain.” The only treatment is a permanent gluten-free diet.

With increased awareness of gluten intolerance, people who suffer from it are finding a greater number of sources to support them as they transition from a diet of gluten-laden foods to one free of the substance. One popular blog on the subject is Gluten-Free Girl, which has a deep archive and contains a long list of links for more information. Shauna James (soon to be Shauna James Ahern), the blogger behind Gluten-Free Girl, is also the author of a cookbook by the same name, due out this fall.