Nuchia Foods Corporation

Celiac disease is the most common genetic disease in Europe. About 1 in 250 people in Italy are affected and in Ireland about 1 in 300 people have celiac disease. It is rarely diagnosed in African, Chinese, and Japanese people.

An estimated 1 in 4,700 Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease. Some researchers question how celiac disease could be so rare in the United States since it is hereditary and many Americans descend from European ethnic groups in whom the disease is common. A recent study in which random blood samples from the Red Cross were tested for celiac disease suggests that as many as 1 in every 250 Americans may actually have it.

from: HealthLink Medical College of Wisconson

For example, in Italy, where celiac disease is common, all children are screened by age 6 so that even asymptomatic disease is caught early. In addition, Italians of all ages are tested for the disease as soon as they show symptoms. As a result of this vigilance, the time between when symptoms begin and the disease is diagnosed is usually only 2 to 3 weeks. In the United States, the time between the first symptoms and diagnosis averages about 10 years.

from: KeepKidsHealthy.com

All Italian pharmacies carry gluten free food. Risotto (which is gluten free) is a trademark dish in certain regions where Arborio rice is grown. Italian: “senza glutino”

In Paris, you can find gluten free products in La Vie Claire, Monoprix or in most health food stores. French: “produits sans gluten”

In the U.K., major department store and grocery chains like Harrods, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and ASDA have large gluten free selections. All over England and Ireland gluten free products are available, many that are not available here in the U.S. 

One of my favorite UK television programs, the BBC’s Last Restaurant Standing, where renowned Chef Raymond Blanc gives several couples a chance to go into business with him, made food allergies, intolerances and choices a priority in the April 14th episode. It was truly amazing to watch the couples approach this challenge with more knowledge about Celiac Disease than any restaurant I have ever visited in the U.S. It is reality TV and there were mistakes made but Chef Raymond Blanc emphasized the importance of Celiac Disease to each couple, bringing home the fact that there could be serious consequences if a food intolerance or allergy is not treated properly. It was very refreshing to see Celiac Disease discussed on national television. This episode will air again on the BBC next Tuesday at 8 pm and the new episode comes on immediately afterwards. 

In Spain, ask for your meal sin gluten (without gluten) and head to your local pharmacy for gluten free brands such as Singlu and Proceli. In Germany, the local apothkes (pharmacies) will have what you seek. 

Sweden, Finland and Norway are gluten free Meccas. Every supermarket has a gluten free section and you can even get your fast food gluten free. Most restaurants have an equal amount of gluten free and gluten filled foods. 

For some reason, the U.S. seems to be behind the curve of providing gluten free options for its population. With the gluten free diet becoming a big trend for 2009, we should see more and more products becoming available. Stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joes and even Publix have come a long way and the more research and testing on Celiac Disease that is done will mean more Americans will finally be healthy and gluten free.

Whether it is based upon the diet of our European ancestors or just simply another disease that our world has recently discovered, Celiac (Coeliac) Disease is a major problem in the U.S. and Europe. But somehow our European neighbors have caught on to the seriousness of this autoimmune disease considerably more quickly than we have in the States.