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Based on the figure mentioned above we can extrapolate the total number of people in the United States with celiac disease: 2.18 million (based on the total population: 290,356,028). It is very important that doctors understand just how many people have this disease so that routine testing for it is done to bring the diagnosis rate in line with the diseases epidemiology. Testing is fairly simple and involves screening the patients blood for antigliadin (AGA) and endomysium antibodies (EmA), and/or doing a biopsy on the areas of the intestines mentioned above, which is still the standard for a formal diagnosis.

The only acceptable treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet for life. An adherence to a gluten-free diet can prevent almost all complications caused by the disease. A gluten-free diet means avoiding all products that contain wheat, rye and barley, or any of their derivatives. This is a difficult task as there are many hidden sources of gluten found in the ingredients of many processed foods. This site is designed to help people with celiac disease get diagnosed, and make life easier after their diagnosis. Those who are interested can read the story of my diagnosis.

  1. Alessio Fasano, MD, et. al., Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:286-292.
  2. Gastroenterology, April, 1996 First Epidemiological Study of Gluten Intolerance in the United States. By Karoly Horvath, MD, Ph.D., et. al..
  3. New England Journal of Medicine, May 2, 1996 -- Volume 334, Number 18, The Many Faces of Celiac Disease by Charles H. Halsted, MD
  4. Goggins, et. al. Celiac Disease and Other Nutrient Related Injuries to the gastrointestinal Tract The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Vol. 89, No. 8, pages S2 - S13, 1994.
  5. United States Census Bureau, February 27, 2003.

Information on this site has been compiled from a variety of sources, including medical journals, books, doctors, scientists and the Celiac Listserv News Group. I would like to especially thank the latter for providing an invaluable source information for celiacs, doctors and researchers.

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