The Economic Iceberg of Celiac Disease: More Than the Cost of Gluten-Free Food

Abstract

Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of global relevance, with the potential for acute and long-term complications. However, the economic burden of CeD is rarely considered and largely thought of as limited to the cost of gluten-free food. Fortunately, recent research has shed light on the various societal costs of CeD across the healthcare continuum.In this article, we summarize the current evidence on the economic impacts of CeD which suggest that the societal economic burden of CeD stretches beyond the cost of gluten-free food. This review provides ample evidence of larger but hidden costs related to excess healthcare use for complications and comorbidities, as well as reduced productivity. While significant advances are expected in the management of CeD, their effect on the economic burden of CeD remain uncertain. We hope this review will inform stakeholders across society and contribute to improved policies to support patients with CeD.