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Gluten-Free Diets Gain Converts

Celiac disease, autism forced some to change; others just feel better without it

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 1, 2008 5:29 PM CST

(Newser) – The tide is turning against gluten as more people ditch the protein—found in bread and just about anything made with wheat, barley, or rye—from their diets, the Chicago Tribune reports. Adherents—and not just those suffering from celiac disease, who cannot tolerate the stuff—blame gluten for a host of ailments, from autism to fatigue to migraines. Health experts aren't convinced, but acknowledge the trend.

"If you feel better, I can't argue with that, even if I don't have scientific proof as to why it seems to help," said a specialist at the Mayo Clinic. Others worry about a wave of inaccurate self-diagnoses about celiac as awareness of it spreads, leading people to adopt diets that are difficult—not to mention expensive—to maintain.

Application technologist Jennifer Gaul examines a sample of wheat gluten in a test kitchen at MGP Ingredients Inc. in Atchison, Kan. Monday, April 30, 2007.  (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Application technologist Jennifer Gaul examines a sample of wheat gluten in a test kitchen at MGP Ingredients Inc. in Atchison, Kan. Monday, April 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)   (Associated Press)
Application technologist Jennifer Gaul displays a handful of wheat gluten at MGP Ingredients Inc. in Atchison, Kan. Monday, April 30, 2007. MGP is the nation's largest producer of wheat gluten. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Application technologist Jennifer Gaul displays a handful of wheat gluten at MGP Ingredients Inc. in Atchison, Kan. Monday, April 30, 2007. MGP is the nation's largest producer of wheat gluten. (AP Photo/Charlie...   (Associated Press)
These doughnut holes were made without gluten at Grandma Ferdon's gluten-free foods in Hayward, Wisconsin. More vendors are catering to gluten-free diets.
These doughnut holes were made without gluten at Grandma Ferdon's gluten-free foods in Hayward, Wisconsin. More vendors are catering to gluten-free diets.   (KRT Photos)
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