CELIAC DISEASE OVERVIEW

FACTS AND FIGURES      PDF> Understanding Celiac Disease

                                                    Celiac Disease Conference(04/12)                                                                     

Disease

• It is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine
  
• Triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley
  
• Immune system responds by attacking the small intestine affecting absorption of nutrients
  
• Undiagnosed and untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders, as well as osteoporosis, infertility, anemia, neurological conditions and in rare cases, cancer
  

SYMPTOMS

Bloating or Gas Diarrhea Constipation Fatigue Failure to Thrive Anemia Weight Loss Abdominal Pain Itchy Skin Rash Tingling/Numbness

Pale Mouth Sores Joint Pain Delayed Growth Poor Weight Gain Thin Bones Infertility Headaches Depression Irritability Discolored Teeth

PREVALENCE

• In average healthy people: 1 in 133
  
• In people with related symptoms: 1 in 56
  
• In parents, children, or siblings who have celiac disease: 1 in 22
  
• Celiac disease affects at least 3 million Americans, 1% of the population

GLUTEN-FREE DIET

FACTS

• A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease and is challenging for good adherance
  
• In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act became law and went into effect in 2006
  
• There are still no specific guidelines by the FDA in terms of defining cutoffs: 5 to 20 parts per million

PRECAUTIONS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

• Label reading
  
• Proper hand washing
  
• Avoidance of cross contamination in cafeterias, food preparation
  
• Effective table and desk washing with appropriate chemicals and materials
  

LIVING GLUTEN FREE

Foods to Eliminate:

• Wheat
  
• Barley
  
• Rye
  
• Duram*
  
• Einkorn*
  
• Farro*
  
• Kamut*
  
• Spelt*
  
• Triticale*
  

*Types of wheat

Hidden Sources of Gluten:

• Modified food starch
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
  
• Hydrolyzed plant protein
  
• Malt vinegar
  
• Soy sauce or soy sauce solids
  
• Brown rice syrup
  
• Dextrin
  
• Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
  
• Vegetable gum

Non-food Items to Avoid:

• Lipstick
  
• Certain vitamins
  
• Certain medications
  
• Stamps and envelopes you have to lick
  
• Play-Doh

Safe Foods:

• Beans • Quinoa • Buckwheat • Rice • Corn • Sorghum • Millet • Soy • Nut flours • Tapioca

• Potatoes • Teff • Cornmeal • Polenta • Amaranth • Millet • Sweet potatoes • Rice • Tofu • Gluten-free flours made of rice, soy, or potato • Any food product that says “gluten-free” on the box

CARE TEAM

Gastroenterology Team Leaders:
Judy Fuentebella, MD
Elizabeth Gleghorn, MD

Consults/Referrals
• 510-428-3058

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