Coeliacs Near You

We know that gluten-containing grains have spread gradually around the world and are now ingrained in peoples’ everyday diets. So it's no wonder that people suffer from coeliac disease all around the world. On average, it is said that 1 in 100 people suffer from the disease, but this figure fluctuates around the globe.

As shown on the map below, an estimated 1% of the population of Europe and North America suffer from the condition. Cases of Coeliac Disease are also on the rise; compared to 40 years ago there are now five times as many cases per 1,000 people!

However there is a huge difference in the figures of neighbouring regions; as shown, Mexico has a figure of 3% whereas Brazil’s percentage is only 0.4%. Scientists believe that, since the genetics of these populations are very similar, environmental factors such as childhood diet must cause these fluctuations.

Years ago people assumed that the disease only affected the west, but this myth has been disproved and, as shown on the map, there are as many cases in other parts of the world. 

The case of the West-African Sahrawi tribe is an interesting one; the disease was found to affect 5-6% of children in the tribe. This was put down to the fact that the tribe’s diet had drastically changed to include more gluten-containing grains, as a result of Spanish Colonisation. This, again, leads scientists to believe that the disease, whilst it may still be hereditary, can be influenced by environmental factors.

As I have previously pointed out, up to 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. This figure could be even higher in less-developed countries where screening is not available. This is also why there are figures missing from the map above- there is no accurate data. 

It is clear now that the disease is far more widespread than Aretaeus of Cappadocia must have thought when he looked at early cases. Let this be reassurance for all the coeliacs of the world; you are certainly not alone!