Celiac disease raises the risk of death, heart disease, and organ failure — and two new studies published this week put the numbers on paper for the first time in the U.S. This edition also covers a landmark labeling bill, a stalled compensation law in Spain, and how major league baseball is stepping up for the celiac community.
Celiac disease is associated with an 18% higher risk of death.
Tracking 204,000 adults across 71 U.S. healthcare systems, researchers also found an 11% higher risk of major cardiovascular events and a 51% higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study did not assess gluten-free diet adherence.
Source: Ludvigsson et al., The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, May 28, 2026
Barley and rye may finally get proper allergen labeling in the U.S.
Representatives Cleaver and McCollum introduced the Celiac Safety Act on May 28 — the first federal proposal to require the FDA to list barley and rye alongside wheat as major food allergens.
Source: Celiac Disease Foundation / Fox4 Kansas City, May 28, 2026
Spain’s celiac compensation law has been extended 22 times.
Seven months after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill proposing a national celiac registry and a €600 annual tax deduction per diagnosed family member, patient groups across Spain are still waiting.
Source: FACE / Europa Press, June 2, 2026
Celiac awareness is hitting major league baseball across the U.S. this season.
CDF partnered with the Red Sox and Rays on Celiac Awareness Nights featuring gluten-free dining initiatives and cross-contact protocols, while Beyond Celiac ran a parallel “Strike Out Celiac” campaign with the Yankees and Cubs.
Source: MLB.com / CDF / Beyond Celiac, May 2026
Celiac disease is associated with nearly triple the risk of needing a solid organ transplant.
A Columbia University study tracking 41,277 people over 12 years found the highest increase was seen for liver transplants, supporting earlier celiac screening in some patients with chronic liver or kidney disease.
Source: Doyle et al., Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, May 28, 2026
Informational news roundup; no endorsement implied. This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your own healthcare team.
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