In this Thursday, July 14, 2012 photo, a worker packages gluten-free bread at Pure Knead bakery sandwich bread in Decatur, Ga. A decade ago, virtually no one in the United States seemed to have a problem eating gluten in bread and other foods. Now, millions do and spend more than $7 billion on gluten-free products. Yet, experts estimate that more than half of those consumers don’t have any clear-cut reaction to gluten. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
July 31, 2012 - 1:05 PM
ATLANTA - Gluten-free eating has exploded in America, but scientists aren't sure how many people are doing it for medical reasons.
A study released Tuesday suggests that nearly 2 million U.S. adults have celiac disease, a digestive disorder caused by foods that contain gluten, a protein that is in wheat.
In the past few years, scientists have also identified another group of people as "gluten sensitive" — a different condition with similar symptoms.
But there is no test for gluten sensitivity, and how many people actually have it is a matter of debate.
Meanwhile, gluten-free has become a fad. Americans will spend an estimated $7 billion this year on foods labeled gluten-free, according to the market research firm Mintel.
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Online:
Celiac disease: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/index.aspx
News from © The Associated Press, 2012