Wheat Allergies Lead to Fatalities

A form of wheat allergy known as Celiac disease could double a patients risk of death from other causes, according to researchers at the University of Mila-Bicocca in Italy.

The condition affects 1 in 200 people and may cause bowel disorders, diarrhoea and lead to intestinal cancers. Researchers studied 1,072 patients with celiac disease between 1962 and 1994. They found 53 deaths compared with an expected 26 from the death rate of the general population.

The researchers believed the death rate (double than expected) was significant and they suggested "delay in diagnosis" and "poor adherence to treatment" as major causal factors.

Further research suggests up to 25% of the U.S population may have some form of intolerance or sensitivity to wheat.

For more information on screening for food allergies and intolerances, contact Bromley Health Management.

Monday, 10 September 2001