National Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Go gluten-free awareness during National Celiac Disease Awareness Month! 1 in 100 people have celiac disease, but many are undiagnosed. Awareness improves diagnosis and support for those affected.
About National Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Go gluten-free awareness during National Celiac Disease Awareness Month! 1 in 100 people have celiac disease, but many are undiagnosed. Awareness improves diagnosis and support for those affected.
History & origins
National Celiac Disease Awareness Month is observed in May and is strongly associated with the Celiac Disease Foundation, which has long led advocacy and proclamation campaigns to raise visibility for celiac disease. The observance is not tied to a single founding announcement that is easy to verify, but by at least 2013 the Foundation was publicly promoting May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in the United States. It has since expanded into a broader awareness effort that includes state and local proclamations, education, and community outreach.
Why it matters
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition, not a food trend, and the only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Awareness helps shorten the long path to diagnosis for people who are undiagnosed and can improve access to safe food, medical care, and school or workplace accommodations. It also supports better labeling and more informed choices in restaurants, stores, and public institutions.
How to celebrate
Learn about celiac disease. Support gluten-free options. Get tested if symptomatic. Share celiac information. Advocate for better labeling.
Facts
- 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease
- 83% of Americans with celiac are undiagnosed
- Only treatment is strict gluten-free diet
- Celiac is a serious autoimmune disease
- Gluten-free market has grown dramatically
Frequently asked questions
When is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month in 2026?
National Celiac Disease Awareness Month in 2026 is observed throughout May 2026. It is a month-long observance rather than a single-day holiday.
What is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month?
It is a health awareness observance focused on celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. The goal is to improve understanding, diagnosis, and day-to-day support for affected people.
Who started National Celiac Disease Awareness Month?
The observance is most closely linked to the Celiac Disease Foundation and its advocacy campaigns. The exact origin is not clearly documented as a single founding moment, so it is best described as an informal awareness month promoted by celiac organizations and supporters.
How do you celebrate National Celiac Disease Awareness Month?
You can learn the symptoms, share reliable information, support gluten-free options, and encourage testing if someone has signs of celiac disease. Advocacy for clearer food labeling and safer dining choices is also a practical way to participate.
Is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month an official holiday?
No, it is an awareness observance rather than a public holiday. It is promoted by health advocates and celiac organizations to raise understanding of the condition and its impact.
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