The impact of a gluten-free diet on adults with coeliac disease: results of a national survey.
OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the impact of the gluten-free diet on the 5,240 members of the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA). Data are presented on 2,681 adults (>or=16 years) with biopsy-proven celiac disease (CD).


METHODS
A mail-out survey was used. Quality of life was evaluated using the 'SF12', and celiac-specific questions.


RESULTS
Mean age was 56 years, mean age at diagnosis was 45 years, and 75% were female. The 'SF12' summary scores were similar to normative Canadian data, but were significantly lower for females and newly diagnosed patients. Respondents reported: following a gluten-free (GF) diet (90%), improvement on the diet (83%), and difficulties following the diet (44%), which included: determining if foods were GF (85%), finding GF foods in stores (83%), avoiding restaurants (79%), and avoiding travel (38%). Most common reactions to consumed gluten (among 73%) included pain, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, nausea, and headache. Excellent information on CD and its treatment was provided by the CCA (64%), gastroenterologists (28%), dietitians (26%) and family doctor (12%).


CONCLUSIONS
Quality of life in those with CD could be increased with early diagnosis, increased availability of gluten-free foods, improved food labelling, and better dietary instruction. Education of physicians and dietitians about CD and its treatment is essential.
Zarkadas
M
M
Canadian Celiac Association, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. czarkadas@sympatico.ca
Cranney
A
A
Case
S
S
Molloy
M
M
Switzer
C
C
Graham
I D
ID
Butzner
J D
JD
Rashid
M
M
Warren
R E
RE
Burrows
V
V
D002170:Canada; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000592:standards; D005983:Glutens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005983:Glutens