Celiac Disease Diagnoses on the Rise in Italy

According to a recent study, the number of celiac disease diagnoses in Italy is on the rise, with the southern region of Molise having the highest spending on gluten-free foods.

Study Highlights

The study, conducted by the Italian Celiac Association, found that the number of people diagnosed with celiac disease in Italy had increased by 58 percent in the past ten years. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body can’t properly digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

The study also revealed that the Molise region has the highest spending on gluten-free products, with residents spending an average of 129 euros per month on gluten-free foods. In comparison, the national average spend on gluten-free products in Italy is 90 euros per month.

Impact on Italian Society

The increase in celiac disease diagnoses has had a significant impact on Italian society, where food plays a central role in daily life. More and more Italian restaurants and cafes are now offering gluten-free options on their menus to accommodate customers with celiac disease.

The rise in demand for gluten-free products has also led to an increase in the number of gluten-free products available in supermarkets and specialty stores across the country. In fact, according to the Italian Celiac Association, Italy boasts the largest selection of gluten-free products in Europe.

Challenges with Diagnosis

Despite the increased awareness of celiac disease in Italy, there are still challenges when it comes to diagnosis. According to the study, there are still many cases of undiagnosed celiac disease in the country. This is due, in part, to a lack of awareness about the symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, but can also be more subtle, such as fatigue or irritability. Because of this, many people with celiac disease may go undiagnosed for years, suffering from symptoms without ever realizing they have the disease.

Summary

In summary, celiac disease diagnoses are on the rise in Italy, with the southern Molise region having the highest spending on gluten-free products. The increase in demand for gluten-free options has had a significant impact on Italian society, with more restaurants and stores offering gluten-free products. However, there are still challenges with diagnosis, and many cases of celiac disease go undiagnosed. It’s important for both healthcare professionals and the general public to be aware of the symptoms of celiac disease in order to ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment.

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