<<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