GASTROENTEROLOGY 2005;128:S128–S134 he Gluten-Free Diet: How to Provide Effective ducation and Resources

G strict gluten-free diet (GFD) for life is the only treatent for celiac disease (CD). This article reviews (1) the mpact of the GFD on the quality of life of individuals ith CD and their families; (2) the causes of poorly ontrolled CD; (3) the access to and source and quality f information provided by health professionals and ther groups; (4) management strategies, including nuritional assessment and education guidelines; (5) a ariety of resources available to individuals and health rofessionals; (6) innovative educational initiatives and artnerships; and (7) specific recommendations to adress the increasing numbers of people with CD and the rowing need for gluten-free (GF) foods and further edcation about CD and the GFD. Successful management f CD requires a team approach, including the person ith CD and his or her family, physician, dietitian, and eliac support group; an individualized approach; undertanding of quality of life issues; use of evidence-based, urrent information and resources; and regular follow-up o monitor compliance, nutritional status, and additional nformation and support. The physician must clearly ommunicate, with a positive attitude, an overview of D and strongly emphasize the importance of a GFD for ife. It is essential that the physician initiate an immeiate referral to a dietitian with expertise in CD for utritional assessment, diet education, meal planning, nd assistance with the adaptation to the challenging ew gluten-free lifestyle. Good dietary compliance will educe the risk of further complications and associated ealth care costs and improve quality of life in patients ith CD.