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Celiac Disease
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How Common is Celiac Disease?
Data on the prevalence of Celiac (pronounced - SEL-ee-ak) disease is spotty. In Italy about 1 in 250 people, and in Ireland about 1 in 300 people have celiac disease. Recent studies have shown that it may be more common in Africa, South America, and Asia than previously believed.
Until recently, celiac disease was thought to be uncommon in the United States. However, studies have shown that celiac disease is very common. Recent findings estimate about 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease, or about 1 in 133 people. Among people who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with celiac disease, as many as 1 in 22 people may have the disease.
Celiac disease could be underdiagnosed in the United States for a number of reasons including:
- Celiac symptoms can be attributed to other problems
- Many doctors and health care providers are not knowledgeable about the disease
- Only a small number of United States laboratories are experienced and skilled in testing for celiac disease
More research is needed to learn the true prevalence of celiac disease among Americans.
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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
NIH Publication No. 07-4269
August 2007
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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