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1 in 3 cannot follow a gluten-free diet: this is why it is so hard to be a coeliac in Spain

Correctly interpreting labels and skyrocketing prices of gluten-free products in Spain are just some of the problems patients encounter

One in three adults with coeliac disease in Spain encounters problems following a gluten-free diet, according to a recent survey of 540 people from all autonomous communities in the country. Difficulty interpreting food labels and the high cost of speciality products are just two of the issues facing patients, but experts believe that health care services haven’t caught up with the prevalence of the disease.

“Until now it was thought to be a problem of diagnosing the disease and that’s it. But this simple reasoning of following a gluten-free diet and that’s it, is complex and very difficult to follow,” explained Dr Francesc Casellas Jordá, who ran the study. ”Telling someone not to eat gluten without further ado is very complicated, from a nutritional and management point of view.”

More than 1% of the general population currently suffers from coeliac disease and in a relatively short period of time, it has gone from being considered a minority ailment to a more widespread pathology. As a result, experts have urged for an improvement in comprehensive care with joint action protocols between Primary and Hospital Care, for a correct diagnosis and follow-up.

In addition to requiring a system of life-long care for coeliac patients, gluten-free products aren’t always readily available in Spain, and Dr Casellas Jordá confirmed that he has met with countless patients who find it different to understand the labelling of products.

In addition, the price of special dietary foodstuffs is skyrocketing in Spain, and people receive no financial aid for this aspect of their own healthcare. According to the Federation of Coeliac Associations of Spain (FACE), a person shopping for a gluten-free diet in this country can expect to spend 845.20 euros more on their groceries each year, and the group is fighting for a lowering of costs or some type of economic subsidy to help patients.

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