Event Series: National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

May 1, 2028

May is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, observed each May, is supported by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and other relevant organizations. Celiac Awareness Month events further raise awareness about celiac disease. In addition, the month provides support for those affected by celiac disease. National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, in collaboration with scientists and other organizations, also supports research into celiac disease. Wear light green to raise awareness about National Celiac Disease Awareness Month. We offer light green enamel awareness ribbon pin, light green fabric ribbons, and light green silicone awareness wristband bracelets for this important awareness month.

Wear Light Green for National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

National Celiac Disease Awareness Month is a time to wear light green. May is Celiac Awareness Month! With your help, we’re also tackling the stigma and misinformation that surrounds celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. This month, too, take some time to educate those in your life about the disease, donate to the cause, or just enjoy some delicious, gluten-free food.

Statistics About Celiac Disease – National Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Celiac disease affects 1 in 133 people, or 1% of the population. This means millions of Americans and people across the globe suffer from this disease that’s triggered by consuming gluten. But, only 5% know they have it.

It’s very important for individuals to recognize the symptoms of celiac disease, as they can develop chronic health problems if left untreated. This May, we’re aiming to increase awareness of the disease, and how patients have the power to eliminate their symptoms through lifestyle changes.

Dining Out and Celiac Disease

For individuals with celiac disease, socializing or going out with friends can be stressful.

Share these tips to help celiac sufferers dine out:

Know the gluten-free diet: For example, be sure you have a solid knowledge of labels and what you can safely eat. And, don’t forget about hidden gluten in food items such as salad dressings, soups, and marinade.
Do your research: With so many restaurants offering gluten-free menus, try a quick Internet search to find new places.
Speak up: Tell your server (or host) about your condition. Make sure they know you cannot have items with gluten or that have been contaminated with gluten.
Ask questions: Not sure how a menu item is made? Ask your server to ask the kitchen staff. Better safe than sorry! Don’t see a gluten-free menu right away? Try asking! They may have one that you need to request.
Send it back: Mistakes happen and that is okay. However, if someone makes a mistake and adds gluten to your dish (such as putting croutons in your salad), ask for it to be fixed.
Say “thank you:” Needing to change something is nothing to feel guilty about. Showing your gratitude can go a long way.

What is the Gluten-Free Diet?

Following a gluten-free diet involves avoiding wheat, barley, rye, and all foods made with these ingredients. There are many naturally gluten free foods including dairy, seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, fats, and many grains.

A nutritious gluten-free diet can help correct and prevent nutrient deficiencies that may occur in celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by gluten ingestion, which damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. NCGS is a condition in which individuals report improvement of symptoms following the elimination of gluten from their diet. This diagnosis is only given after both celiac disease and wheat allergy are excluded.

Why is the Gluten-Free Diet Being Recommended?

A strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment available for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In a person newly diagnosed with celiac disease or not treated with a gluten-free diet, many nutrients from food are not absorbed.

Common deficiencies include iron, vitamin D, calcium, vitamin B12, folate, zinc, and vitamin B6.
Many gluten-free food substitutes are lacking in some nutrients such as fiber, folate, iron, and riboflavin.

A nutritious gluten-free diet can help correct and prevent nutrient deficiencies that may occur in celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.