In case you hadn't heard, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) received a grant in November from the FDA to conduct a study on gluten in medications. Until now, no such research has existed. In a partnership with St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, the NFCA is doing a two-part study. The first - a survey of the celiac and gluten-sensitive population - was announced on January 4 and is going on now until February 28.
If you (or someone you love) follows a gluten-free diet, participate! Your input is needed! The survey states that it takes between 4 and 15 minutes. (I believe it depends on whether you've experienced a reaction to medication. I haven't, and it only took 3.) Questions revolve around your own gluten-sensitivity/celiac disease/dermatitis herpetiformis diagnosis and your experiences taking medicines - both over-the-counter and prescription.
According to the NFCA:
This
critically needed preliminary research aims to validate or nullify the
anecdotal adverse experiences associated with gluten in medications that
have been reported by people with celiac disease and gluten
sensitivity. It is a first step to determine if more investigation is
needed, which may lead to additional research,
labeling, and the FDA's Safe Use Initiative.
In the second phase, the NFCA researchers will test some of the medicines identified in the survey to see if they contain gluten.
To participate in the this survey, please go here. This is a chance to make a real difference for the gluten-free community.
