<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> If you weren't there last weekend, you missed a great conference. Here are some random notes. There were many experts specializing in celiac that spoke at the conference - researchers, dieticians, gastro, docs, journalists, etc. All agreed unanimously that distilled vinegar and spirits, no matter what the source, are safe for celiacs. Nothing new here, but some of you still don't believe it! Some symptoms of celiac disease that we don't often think of short stature, shrinking stature, too good cholesterol, osteporosis (NOT natural part of aging) Mental problems are common: fatigue is most common symptom of cd (note: Not diarrhea but fatigue!), anemia depression, apathy, mental cloudiness Some of many risks of untreated cd: lymphoma and melanoma (cancers), colon, prostate and liver problems, osteoporosis, depression and mental problems CD is the most common intestinal disease in the world. Dr. Cynthia Rudert was fascinating!) Most misdiagnosed and most miss diagnosed disease in America. One in three people seeing a gastro has celiac. The doctors speaking were criticizing their peers for not detecting or looking for cd. In the US, there is an average of 11 years from first symptoms to diagnosis, with the patient seeing from 2 to 5 doctors. Because cd causes malabsorbtion, it masquerades as many other maladies which attack the body where it is weakest. Rather than diagnosing celiac and treating the underlying problem by avoiding gluten, the maladies are treated - and rather unsuccessfully. The experts (doctors and dietitians) repeatedly stated that this under-diagnosis is ignorance and stubbornness on the part of physicians to accept the high likelihood of celiac. Incidences of cd (since most of us are of European heritage, it is felt that the numbers in the USA should be similar to those in Europe) USA 1:4600 (vastly under diagnosed) Argentina 1:170 Europe 1:200- 300 (varies by country with Ireland and Italy having most) Columbia 1:250 This is Columbia University where Dr. Peter Green researches and treats cd. I could have listened to him all day! UMaryland 1:266 University of Maryland study to detect prevalence of cd in USA Blood donors 1:300 Random testing of all blood donors at a clinic It is up to US to do our part in educating the medical profession. Tests to detect: cd (have many false negatives, so need all four) ttg (tissue trans glutamate (sp?) Iga/igg anti gliadin IgA anti endomesial serum Iga anti reticulin The "gold standard" for detecting cd is still a small bowel endoscopy. The vendor tables with food samples are soooo much fun. Kinnikinnick won hands down on the best bread www.kinnikinnick.com I recommend their Many Wonder Multigrain Rice Bread and Brown Rice Bread. These two breads were actually moist, soft and flavorful when room temp. There were wonderful pastas, pretzels, snacks, rice sticks, pizza shells and pizzas, bagels, hot dog and hamburger buns, freeze dried meals, and more. Shar is coming out with a new cracker within the next couple weeks that is pretty close to a saltine type cracker. Best I've had next to Nut Thins and Rice crackers. Didn't taste the many, many sweets so know nothing about them. There's a new book out that will be helpful for some: New Dietary Guidelines for the Gluten Free Diet by Shelly Case. Good information for both USA and Canada and up to date. [log in to unmask] Ann Whelan, editor of Gluten Free Living spoke about the future of CD and the GF Diet. Again, I highly recommend a subscription to GFL www.glutenfreeliving.com Think about going to this conference next year for the latest, most up to date information from the experts. Besides,the Seattle area is a beautiful place to visit with lots of fabulous (gf) food. GIG: [log in to unmask] or www.gluten.net Diane Holmes Kirkland WA USA