Going Gluten-free with freedom

By Emily Tellers

There are more people than ever suffering from some form of gluten-related health issue – either celiac disease, gluten intolerance or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)– all of which can cause digestive discomfort and fatigue. In fact, NCGS is now recognized as a separate condition, where neither allergic nor autoimmune mechanisms are involved. According to a consumer survey, 6 percent of the US population has been diagnosed with NCGS,[1] while 13 percent of the UK population considers themselves to be gluten-sensitive.[2] However, at present, the only option for those who cannot tolerate gluten is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

In recent years, the market for gluten-free products has exploded. One in three consumers (31 percent of the UK and 36 percent of the US) are inclined to limit their intake or avoid gluten, despite only 1 percent being diagnosed with celiac disease.[3] While this has helped alleviate the problem of consuming gluten at home, it can be difficult to eat out, because of the ‘hidden’ gluten in many foods. One in four global consumers try to avoid foods that contain gluten, but this can be challenging when dining out, travelling or during social events.[4] In fact, even when following a gluten-free diet, unintentional gluten intake can range from 200 to 3,000 mg/day, depending on how strictly the diet is followed.

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