Survey highlights how access to essential gluten-free foods via the NHS enables coeliac patients to successfully manage their condition Oct 2011
The largest ever survey of 3,500 people with coeliac disease found that 79% rated having access to a regular supply of essential gluten-free foods via the NHS helped them adhere to a life-long gluten-free diet.
This survey, conducted by the British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA), revealed that 87% were aware of the health risks from not adhering to a gluten-free diet. Those coeliacs taking a regular prescription of essential gluten-free foods were shown to have a better understanding of how they may go on to develop associated health complications such as osteoporosis, ongoing nutritional deficiencies, anaemia, infertility problems and in some cases cancer if they did not take the diet seriously.
A gluten-free diet is nutritionally challenging and requires considerable commitment and planning from coeliacs. 94% of those surveyed acknowledged how receiving a regular supply of everyday staple gluten-free foods such as bread and flour helped them manage their daily diet.
Overall the findings of this survey confirmed the long term value for the NHS in providing a foundation of support for coeliac patients. Providing expert healthcare professional advice and access to a gluten-free prescription reinforces a positive message to the patient to take responsibility for managing their condition and helps to minimise the cost of long-term health complications.