Canadian researchers are using an online survey to investigate the popularity of gluten-free diets in athletes who haven't been diagnosed with celiac disease.
Gluten-free diets among athletes without celiac disease have become increasingly popular; many runners credit eliminating gluten from their diets for improved performance and reduced gastrointestinal distress, despite the relative lack of supportive medical evidence. Some researchers estimate that only 5–10% of Americans are gluten-sensitive; however, two other recent surveys have quantified that a gluten-free diet in non-celiac athletes is even more prevalent among athletes.
Trent Stellingwerff, Ph.D., of the Canadian Sport Institute, is one of the researchers conducting the survey. "To date, substantiation of gluten-free eating and improved athletic performance is based on anecdotal evidence," he told Runner's World Newswire, "which further extends to claims of the diet decreasing GI dysfunction, inflammation, improved immunity, intestinal integrity and nutritional status; all factors that influence athletic performance. The focus of this survey is to collect preliminary data about the prevalence, beliefs and experiences with gluten (or not) on general health, gastrointestinal issues and performance."
You can take the survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, here.
Watch our Quick Bites video on how to identify if your food is gluten-free: