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The prevalence of some autoimmune disorders varies with geographic latitude. To investigate whether celiac disease is among those disorders, investigators analyzed data from a large U.S. cross-sectional interview-based survey. They also examined adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) at different latitudes.
Data from 22,277 interviewees aged ≥6 years surveyed during 2009 to 2014 were included. Participants were asked if they had ever received a diagnosis of CD and if they adhered to a GFD. They also underwent blood testing. Celiac disease was defined as meeting at least one of the following criteria: 1) positive serology (tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A test confirmed by endomysial antibody test) or 2) both a self-reported healthcare…