Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons^™

Community Based Pilot Study Of Diagnostic Paths To The Gluten Free Diet, Joan C. Stevenson, Kelle Rankin-Sunter, Crystal Maki, Sean Bruna, M.J. Mosher, Christopher E. Barrett

Anthropology Faculty and Staff Publications

Wheat consumption is increasing worldwide and also increasing is the frequency of celiac disease (CeD), a pathological response to wheat protein (gluten) in genetically susceptible individuals. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is another, less studied wheat-induced pathology. The treatment for both is a gluten-free diet (GFD). More individuals choose the diet than predicted by the epidemiological 1-2% prevalence. A preliminary survey by questionnaire asked members and attendees of the local gluten information group (GIG) meetings and functions about their diagnostic experiences and symptom levels in order understand the increased demand for gluten-free foods. Same-aged and -sex friends participated as a comparative …