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I am researching some of the issues raised in Prof. Luigi Greco's article
"From the Neolithic Revolution to gluten intolerance: benefits and problems
associated with the cultivation of wheat" from an
anthropological/archaeological perspective.  Profesor Greco says there
should be a higher rate of CD among those people whose ancestors come from
areas in Europe that were the last to add cultivated wheat, barley, and
oats to their diet.  Domestication of these gluten-rich grains began in the
Fertile Crescent about 10,000 years ago, and gradually spread, eventually
reaching places like Ireland and Scandinavian only about 4,000 years ago.
 
Does anyone know of any supporting evidence for Prof. Greco's theory?  The
references he cited seemed inconclusive about whether there really was a
geographic variation in incidence rates of CD.
 
Also, it seems that a simple test of the theory might be to look at people
from parts of the world where gluten containing grains were not commonly
eaten -- which means most of Asia, Africa, and South America -- and see
what the incidence of CD is for those who move to Europe or North America
and adopt a high gluten diet.  It should be very high.  Does anyone know of
evidence for this?
 
Information, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
For those who haven't read Prof. Greco's article, it is available as a file
on this LISTSERV titled CELIAC CUL-WHT.
 
Thanks,
 
Chris Neurath
 
DeKalb, New York
 
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