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Celiac disease (CD) is not as rare as it once was. You just have to make a trip to your local supermarket and you’ll find an aisle or two dedicated to gluten-free products. Then again, when you see big companies like Anheuser-Busch and General Mills introducing gluten-free (GF) products you know the market is headed for even bigger trends in Gluten-free manufacturing.

The growth in GF products can be directly attributed to the special needs of a rising population of people suffering from Celiac Disease (CD). Celiac disease is a genetic disorder for which there is no known cure. It is characterized by an intolerance to gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is an autoimmune disease that gradually damages the intestinal lining preventing normal digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.

One out of every 133 Americans suffers from Celiac disease. This figure rises to one out of 22 people amongst first-degree relatives. While these statistics include only recorded cases of Celiac disease, the Federal government estimates that there are 3 million people who are living with CD—a little less than one percent of our population. This includes people who have the disease but show no signs or symptoms since it takes about four years for the disease to manifest itself. It is said that 97 percent of people with CD are undiagnosed and therefore untreated.

Logically, this disease is rising and will continue to rise producing an even greater demand for GF products. The only treatment for those with CD is a diet that is totally free from gluten. Even the most minute or negligible amounts of gluten in products can produce an autoimmune reaction. Many of the additives, preservatives and stabilizers in processed foods contain gluten. Even products, such as corn and rice, produced in manufacturing units that also produce wheat products, may contain traces of gluten due to cross-mingling of raw materials. Certain medications contain gluten, as do common items like lipstick and play dough. There is, therefore, a growing market for a wide variety of GF products for this marginalized, but rising, population.

For most people suffering from CD, maintaining a strict gluten-free diet helps to alleviate symptoms, heal the damage done to intestines and prevent any further damage. The June 2005 issue of the American Journal of Nutrition reported, “A long follow up of a cohort of patients already diagnosed as having Celiac disease and put on a gluten-free diet shows that the diet substantially and rapidly improved all the gastrointestinal symptoms previously reported, not just the typical ones.” Gradually, by maintaining a GF diet, the intestines will be able to perform normal functions of digestion and absorption of nutrients. But, a lifelong GF diet must be maintained.

One of the most ripe markets for GF products is in the arena of nutritional supplements Not only does CD prevent the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients, maintaining a GF diet itself can compromise nutrition. This brings about unique nutritional challenges.

Common nutritional deficiencies in those suffering from CD relate to:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Essential fatty acids
• Folate
• B vitamins
• Iron
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamins K and D
• Fiber

GF nutritional supplements provide an excellent solution for filling the nutritional gap for those suffering from CD.

Some research studies indicate that quercetin, digestive enzymes, probiotics, betaine HCL and thymus extract may help to relieve some of the symptoms caused by food allergies, including CD. Many health supplement manufacturers combine nutrition with herbal remedies that help relieve CD symptoms and bolster digestive integrity and immunity.

Gluten-Free Manufacturing
The growth of GF products is evident. Since 2004, the GF industry has enjoyed an annual growth rate of 28 percent each year. Valued at $5.80 million in 2004, the GF market reached revenues of $1.56 billion in 2008. In spite of the recession, market forecasters predict that the GF food industry is likely to grow 10 to 11 percent in 2009 and 2010. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the GF industry revenues are expected to reach $1.7 billion by 2010. Packaged Facts estimates the industry to be worth $2.6 billion in 2012.

Manufacturing GF supplements requires the highest quality control standards. GF supplements are harder to manufacture as they require the utmost precautionary care to prevent cross contamination. Separate areas and equipment for manufacturing gluten-free supplements are needed along with stringent quality control measures.

In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act became a law, requiring all food and dietary supplement manufacturers to identify common allergens in their product and specify the same on their labels. Implementation of the law in 2006 made it easier for people with CD to determine whether or not a product was safe to eat. The FDA is still working on finalizing the final definition for “gluten-free” but in all probability products that contain less than 20 micrograms of gluten per gram of product will be the standard measure for a product to call itself gluten-free.

GF nutritional supplement manufacturing caters to an ever-increasing market which includes those who suffer from CD, or are gluten-sensitive, or prefer a gluten-free diet, such as those who suffer from autism, ADD, ADHD or Type 1 Diabetes. It is interesting to note that wheat is listed among the top eight common allergens and accounts for 90 percent of food allergies. In response to the needs of this special category of people who need GF nutrition, supplement manufacturers would do well to flood the market with GF health supplements.

Nutricap Labs is a full service vitamin supplement manufacturing service. We primarily manufacture nutritional tablets, capsules, powders, liquids and creams, but we also offer label and packaging design services and order fulfillment services to our customers.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Increase in Popularity of Gluten Free Manufacturing