Category: Resources

Listserv

The Listserv at St.John’s will allow you to post or read gluten free questions or comments. It is a national and international kind of electronic bulletin board.If you subscribe, be prepared to receive 20 emails/day or set it up to receive one link with the day’s email. Archives are also a valuable resource.

Join LISTSERV

Click here for Listserv Archives
1) Then click email list tab
2) scroll down to celiac and click
3) Use search box to find past discussions

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder which affects many organs in the body when untreated. It commonly affects the small intestine and results in an inability to absorb nutrients properly. Once thought to be rare, research now indicates that celiac disease (CD) affects 1 in 133 people in the U.S. and is considered to be widely under diagnosed. Complications of undiagnosed CD include anemia, osteoporosis, fertility problems, and malnutrition, to list a few.

Symptoms of CD may be gastrointestinal or seemingly non-intestinal. Symptoms may include anemia, constipation, diarrhea, malnutrition, weight loss, bloating, lactose intolerance, skin problems, dental enamel defects, failure to thrive, and muscle wasting. Some people have no symptoms whatsoever. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder.

The sole treatment for CD is a lifelong, stringent “gluten-free” diet (GFD). Commonly referred to as “gluten”, proteins which come from wheat, rye, and barley are harmful to people with CD and result in an autoimmune response when ingested.

In time, this response results in damage throughout the body. Wheat, barley, & their derivatives are abundant in the American diet, so the GFD is challenging – but necessary. Upon diagnosis, it is crucial for patients to receive education by a registered dietitian with knowledge of CD and the GFD. It is important to receive a firm diagnosis before beginning treatment for celiac disease.
Trisha Lyons, R.D., L.D.
MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland

Gluten Free FDA Labeling

On August 2, 2013, FDA issued a final rule defining “gluten-free” for food labeling, which will help consumers, especially those living with celiac disease, be confident that items labeled “gluten-free” meet a defined standard for gluten content.

From the Food and Drug Administration: GF Labeling Information and “Gluten-Free” Food Facts

From the Beyond Celiac: The FDA’s Ruling On Gluten-Free Food Labeling