While approximately 1% of the U.S. population suffers from celiac disease, research firm Mintel reports the number of newly introduced gluten-free products has increased from about 135 in 2003 to 832 in 2008. The company also forecasts a 15% to 25% growth in gluten-free product sales in the future due to the public’s acceptance of a gluten-free diet as a weight-loss method.
A recent U.S. News & World Report article examined the boom in gluten-free diets and whether interest in them as a weight-loss fad might possibly downplay respect the medical necessity of the diet for true celaics.
