Big Opportunity for Food Processors in the Gluten-Free Market
There is a big opportunity for food processors to get more sales in the gluten-free market! There are other autoimmune disorders that benefit from a gluten-free diet, so there’s no better time than now to become a Gluten-Free Food Program certified brand. Gluten-Free certification provides safe food for those with celiac disease but the need for gluten-free food is rising to treat other gluten-related conditions.
Some conditions that require a gluten-free diet are:
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH)
An itchy, blistering skin rash that is associated with CeD. In almost all cases, the small intestine of a person with DH is also damaged by ingesting gluten. DH is diagnosed via skin biopsy by a dermatologist. The treatment for DH is the GF diet and topical treatments to manage symptoms.
Silent / Asymptomatic Celiac Disease
No obvious symptoms are present, and testing may have only occurred due to family history or an associated condition. However, as with symptomatic CeD, failure to keep to a strict GF diet can lead to long-term health complications.
Refractory Celiac Disease
A rare condition where the intestine does not heal, and symptoms remain present despite 12 months on a strict GF diet.
Wheat Allergy
An allergic immune reaction to wheat ingestion that involves a different branch of the immune system from CeD. An allergist should diagnose wheat allergy. Treatment is a wheat-free diet and may include medications to manage symptoms.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Symptoms are similar to those with CeD. Unlike CeD, however, the intestinal villi has minimal to no damage. Currently, there is no test to diagnose NCGS. NCGS can be diagnosed after CeD, and wheat allergy have been ruled out. Eliminating gluten from the diet is the only treatment for NCGS.
The following conditions also benefit from a gluten-free diet:
Diabetes
Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period. This condition occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes can lead to various complications if not properly managed, affecting multiple organs and systems in the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints. It causes inflammation in the synovium (the lining of the joints), resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced joint function. RA can affect multiple joints simultaneously and often leads to deformities and joint damage over time. Besides joints, it can also affect other organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of the skin. It typically presents as dry, itchy, red, and sometimes scaly patches on the skin. Eczema can occur in people of all ages and is often associated with allergies or a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever. There are different types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis (the most common form), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis
Eosinophilic (e-o-sin-o-FILL-ik) esophagitis (EoE)
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder that affects the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. In EoE, the esophagus becomes inflamed and filled with a high number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, food impaction (getting stuck in the esophagus), chest or abdominal pain, and reflux-like symptoms. EoE is often triggered by allergic reactions to certain foods or environmental factors.
How A Gluten-Free Diet Helps
The above mentioned conditions all have one common factor. They are not only autoimmuine conditions, but, they all cause inflamation in the body. Eating a gluten-free diet when one or more of these conditions is present, reduces the inflamation and allows the body to heal and reduces the autoimmune response. While eating a gluten-free diet is not the only remedy for some of these conditions, food manufacturers have the opportunity in a much larger market than just those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
There is a Vast Gluten-Free Market for Food Manufacturers
There is a vast market for food manufacturers to provide safe gluten-free food. The opportunity for sales to people with gluten-related conditions is growing at a quick pace, so don’t miss out. The Gluten-Free Food Program is the pioneer program in the gluten-free certification business. Since 2004, the GFFP has been a trusted gluten-free certification provider, making the program the best choice in gluten-free certification for any market.
Learn more about these conditions at www.nationalceliac.org
Disclaimer: The content above is for information purposes only. If you think that you could have one of the conditions mentioned in this article, consult with a doctor.