What is Celiac
• Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
One in 133 Americans has celiac disease.
• An estimated 2.8 million Americans across all races, ages and genders suffer from celiac.
• 95% of celiac are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.
• 6-10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed.
• 5-22% of celiac patients have an immediate family member (1st degree relative) who also has celiac.
• Celiac disease can lead to a number of other disorders including infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases.
• There are NO pharmaceutical cures for celiac disease.
• A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac today.
• A positive attitude, 100% of the time, helps celiacs create a gluten-free lifestyle for themselves and their affected family members.
(Source: Fasano A, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:286-292.)
(Source: Daniel Leffler, MD, MS, The Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center)
(Source: National Foundation for Celiac Awareness)