The effects of the gluten-free diet on adults with celiac disease

The purpose of this study was to determine if the gluten-free fad diet has an effect on the quality of life of individuals with celiac disease. A survey was disseminated through the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. A total of 841 qualified participants who were over 18 years of age with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease responded. The results of the study show that the gluten-free fad diet negatively affects the quality of life of this group. Nearly half (46%) of the participants felt that their condition was not taken seriously by the general public and 11% felt socially stigmatized as a result. Furthermore, 24% of the participants did not feel that restaurant personnel understand that crosscontamination can make them sick and 23% feel that there are more cross-contamination issues as a result of the gluten free fad diet.