Canadian Celiacs Suffer from Underdiagnosis, Unaffordable and Unsafe Food

Celiac.com 03/28/2024 - Twenty years after an initial landmark survey, the latest update by Celiac Canada shows little has changed for hundreds of thousands of Canadians living with celiac disease. Celiac Canada reveals ongoing challenges for Canadians living with celiac disease.

Living with celiac disease in Canada continues to pose significant challenges, according to the latest survey conducted by Celiac Canada. The survey, titled "State of Celiac Disease in Canada: 20 Years Later," highlights persisting issues of underdiagnosis, unaffordable gluten-free diets, and difficulties accessing safe food for individuals with celiac disease.

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Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by ingesting gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley, affects about one percent of the world's population. However, up to 80% of affected individuals remain undiagnosed, leading to painful symptoms and potential long-term health complications.

The Survey's Key Findings: Gathered from 7,500 Canadians Living with Celiac Disease

Delays in Diagnosis: Despite increased awareness of gluten-free diets, many Canadians still face significant delays in receiving a celiac disease diagnosis, with some waiting up to 10 years for proper identification of symptoms.

Changing Symptoms: Neurological symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, and headaches are becoming increasingly prevalent among individuals with celiac disease, alongside traditional gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.

Affordability: The high cost of gluten-free foods remains a top concern for respondents, impacting their dietary choices and financial well-being. Gluten-free products can cost up to 500% more than conventional counterparts, placing a significant financial burden on individuals with celiac disease.

Risk of Unsafe Foods: Accessing safe gluten-free foods, particularly in hospitals and care homes, remains challenging for many respondents, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful gluten-containing products.

Mental Health Impact: Following a gluten-free diet can contribute to feelings of frustration, isolation, and stress among individuals with celiac disease, affecting their social participation and overall well-being.

To address these ongoing challenges, Celiac Canada has proposed several recommendations:

Improving Diagnosis: Implementing standardized blood tests for celiac disease and developing new guidelines to enhance diagnosis rates and standards of care.

Financial Relief: Introducing federal income tax claims to alleviate the financial burden of gluten-free diets, providing true financial relief for affected individuals.

Ensuring Safe Foods: Requiring publicly funded health institutions to provide safe gluten-free food options and developing regulations for standardized allergen labeling in food service delivery.

Regulating Food Labels: Implementing regulations to standardize the use of "gluten-free" labels on food products, ensuring accurate representation of product content.

By addressing these recommendations, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders can work together to improve the quality of life for Canadians living with celiac disease and promote greater awareness and understanding of this autoimmune condition.

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