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Although I am an American of Norwegian heritage, I often run into people
of other races and ethnic groups who appear to have celiac type symptoms.
I notice that it is often stated that Northern Europeans are the victims
of CD.  My question is:  How prevelant is CD among other world areas?
My reasoning would be that other races, such as American Indians,
Africans, Asians and so many other groups that were hunters and gatherers or
herds people in their ethnic background, would also be sensitive to sudden
inclusion of wheat type grains in their diets.  Are there any statistics on
this or is it still undetermined.  I work with emotionally disturbed
inner city teenagers.  So many have intestinal problems and many other
problems that I have come to know can be symptoms of CD.  Do I suggest
the possibility of CD if they are not Northern European?  How many on
our list are from other world groups?  Is it only Europeans that have
studied CD because, for instance, Asian people may still be eating
primarily rice as a staple and so it does not show up.  When we contact
the news groups, this might be a question that will arise.  Carol in NJ