<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Once again, just to clarify, the articles on this study that can be found
on the internet are incomplete and somewhat frightening for those who have
or love someone with celiac disease. Keep in mind that the study was
conducted from 1962 to 1994, and in that time, a lot was learned about
diagnosing celiac disease (including the development of antibody testing!)
The authors state that the increase in the death rate was largely
attributable to the increased incidence of intestinal lymphomas in the
celiac population...it's not hard to imagine that those diagnosed in 1962
would have a more difficult time with serious side effects than those
diagnosed today. Intestinal lymphomas are very rare today in the celiac
population.

Again, those who followed the gluten-free diet (strictly!) lived longer
than celiacs who did not. The study also showed that celiacs who followed
the gluten-free diet were likely to live as long or longer than their
unaffected family members.

This study was well done--and published in a very reputable medical
journal. However, it is a snapshot in time, ending in 1994. It is important
for physicians and policymakers to read these types of studies because it
can reinforce the importance of medical education and the impact of a
timely diagnosis. The take home message for celiacs is "keep it up" the
gluten-free diet is the key to better health and longer life.

Sorry to keep harping on this but I feel very strongly about providing the
whole story...especially when the media would rather sensationalize it.

Michelle


Michelle Melin-Rogovin, Program Director
The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program
at The University of Chicago Children's Hospital
5839 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 4065
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: 773-702-7593
Fax: 773-702-0666