Resources for Patients With Celiac Disease

 A trip to the supermarket or a meal in a restaurant can be a challenge for patients who have celiac disease. Treatment of the disease consists of strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This regimen can be difficult to follow because gluten is found not only in such obvious sources as wheat-based cereals and pasta but also in many processed foods (eg, salad dressings and gravies).¹

Where can patients turn for help in managing celiac disease? Listed here are some organizations that provide patient education materials, diet plans and recipes, and information about community resources.

REFERENCE:
1. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign. Available at: http://www.celiac.nih.gov/. Accessed March 11, 2010. 

ORGANIZATIONS

American Celiac Society -
Dietary Support Coaltion
PO Box 23455
New Orleans, LA 70183
504-737-3293
Fax: 504-737-4283
E-mail: info@americanceliacsociety.org
Web site: www.americanceliacsociety.org

Offers meetings for patients with celiac disease, patient education materials, sample diets and recipes, resources for children with celiac disease, and support groups.

American Diabetic Association
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606
800-877-1600
Fax: 312-899-4739
Web site: www.eatright.org

Offers patient education materials.

Celiac Disease Foundation
13251 Ventura Boulevard, #1
Studio City, CA 91604
818-990-2354
Fax: 818-990-2379
Email: cdf@celiac.org
Web site: www.celiac.org

Offers meetings for patients with celiac disease, patient education materials, sample diets and recipes, camps for children with celiac disease, and support groups.

Celiac Sprue Association
PO Box 31700
Omaha, NE 68131
877-272-4272
Fax: 402-558-1347
E-mail: celiacs@csaceliacs.org
Web site: www.csaceliacs.org

Offers meetings for patients with celiac disease, patient education materials, sample diets and recipes, camps and other resources for children with celiac disease, and support groups.

Children's Digestive Health
and Nutrition Foundation
PO Box 6
Flourtown, PA 19031
215-233-0808
Fax: 215-233-3918
E-mail: mstallings@naspghan.org
Web site: www.cdhnf.org or www.celiachealth.org

Offers patient education materials and resources for children with celiac disease.

Gluten Intolerance Group
31214 124th Ave SE
Auburn, WA 98092
253-833-6655
Fax: 253-833-6675
E-mail: info@gluten.net
Web site: www.gluten.net

Offers meetings for patients with celiac disease, patient education materials, sample diets and recipes, camps and other resources for children with celiac disease, and support groups.

National Foundation for
Celiac Awareness
PO Box 544
Ambler, PA 19002
215-325-1306
Fax: 215-283-0859
E-mail: info@celiaccentral.org
Web site: www.celiaccentral.org

Offers meetings for patients with celiac disease, patient education materials, recipes, resources for children with celiac disease, and support groups.

North American Society for
Pediatric Gastroenterology,
Hepatology, and Nutrition
PO Box 6
Flourtown, PA 19031
215-233-0808
Fax: 215-233-3918
E-mail: naspghan@naspghan.org
Web site: www.naspghan.org

Offers patient education materials and resources for children with celiac disease.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FROM THE NIHCeliac Disease
This fact sheet provides an overview of celiac disease and explains how it can disrupt the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. It also describes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Available at: www.celiac.nih.gov/Materials.aspx.

Celiac Disease News
This e-newsletter presents new developments in celiac disease education, diagnosis, and treatment. Subscribe at:www.celiac.nih.gov/Materials.aspx.

What People With Celiac Disease Need to Know About Osteoporosis
This fact sheet discusses the link between celiac disease and osteoporosis and describes strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Available at: www.niams.nih.gov/bone/hi/bowel/celiac.htm.

Clinicians:
For more on this topic, see Celiac Disease: Could You Be Missing This Diagnosis? (Consultant, November 2006, Vol. 46, No. 13).