Celiac disease, free quick tests arrive

The Information campaign “Could gluten?”promoted by Schärhistoric leading company of gluten -free productsalways engaged in Celiac sensitization on celiac disease and gluten-related disorders. For the 2025 edition, active from 1 May until 30 Junethe Schär initiative aims to facilitate access to diagnosis with the free distribution of 20,000 quick self-test before Labthus offering a concrete help to those who suspect a gluten intolerance but have not yet undertaken the diagnostic path. The goal is clear: intercept the many cases still submerged. According to the last «Annual report to Parliament on celiac disease“published in March 2025 by the Ministry of Health, in only 2023 were diagnosed in Italy 13,163 new casesbringing the total to 265,102 official celiacs. But it is estimated that 1% of the population (equal to about 600,000 people) can be affected by pathology, many without knowing it. For those who don’t know, Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that can affect at any phase of life. If not diagnosed, it can manifest itself with one Wide range of symptoms: abdominal swelling, diarrhea, headache, bone pain, fatigue. Disorders often underestimated or attributed to other causeswhich instead can be signs not to ignore.

A screening path just clicking

For increase awareness and make the diagnostic process more accessible, Schär proposes a intuitive and free digital path. What does it consist of? On the site www.megliosenzagluine.it a Online pre -evaluation testcompilated in a few minutes: a useful guide for those who suspect a gluten sensitivity. Only in the past two years, beyond 160,000 people they relied on this tool. Who completes the test can Request quick self-test before LABwhich arrives directly at home. The kit detects in 10 minutes The presence of anti-subsidy antibodies (Iga and Igg), with aaccuracy of 90%. A precious first step towards diagnosis, to be confirmed through specific exams and medical consultation.

A commitment that is accompanied by that of the institutions

Italian institutions also started an important prevention action. Thanks to Law 130 of 2023in 2024 the first started National Pediatric Screening Program For celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. After the pilot phase in Lombardy, Marche, Campania and Sardinia – where the 2.9% of the tested children was positive for celiac disease – Screening will be extended throughout Italy in 2025.

Celiac disease in Italy: a disease prevalently prevalence

Celiac disease in Italy continues to affect women mainly: the 70% of the diagnoses concerns female patients. The most involved age groups? Young adults and adults among the 18 and 59 yearswhich represent 67% of cases. Among the regions, Lombardy leads the ranking with beyond 49,000 celiacsfollowed by Lazio and Campania.

Not just celiac disease

Be careful, though: Not everything that is gluten-related is celiac disease (Often we tend to believe it is so). There are also the Gluten sensitivity does not celiacwith similar symptoms, but without damage to the intestinal level, e the wheat allergyan immune reaction often borne by the skin or respiratory tract. Different disorders that require specific diagnostic paths. As the campaign promoted by Schär, Diagnosis is the first step to return to feeling good And live food with pleasure and light -heartedness.