Message from the Minister of Health - Celiac Awareness Month – May 2019
Statement
Every May, we recognize Celiac Awareness Month to raise awareness of the daily challenges facing as many as 300,000 Canadians with Celiac disease.
Celiac disease is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorders, and can develop at any age. The symptoms of this disease can vary greatly in extent and severity.
Living with this disease can be challenging. Symptoms of the disease are caused by the body’s reaction to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and other grains. The symptoms of celiac disease are often similar to those of other diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which often makes diagnosis difficult. Its most common symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and constipation.
Since Celiac disease is hereditary, you should see your healthcare professional and be tested if one of your family members has it or you are experiencing symptoms.
Today, the only effective way to treat the disease is through a life-long gluten-free diet. Adjusting to a gluten-free diet can be challenging, since it involves knowing what foods contain gluten, and determining possible sources of gluten in food products and medications. Nevertheless, with a good knowledge of potential sources of gluten and carefully reading food labels, celiac individuals can enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Health Canada is committed to making more information about gluten available on the labels of pre-packaged foods. We have regulations that require enhanced labelling for sources of gluten and also allow foods that are “gluten-free” to be labelled with this claim.
Thanks in large part to organizations such as the Canadian Celiac Association and the Fondation québecoise de la maladie coeliaque (available in French only), awareness of Celiac disease among Canadians continues to increase.
More people than ever before are being diagnosed and treated early, which allows time for damaged tissue to heal and reduces the risk of many long-term effects.
This month, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about this disease by visiting Health Canada’s website.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Media Inquiries:
Media Relations
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca