Summary:

Gluten-related disorders encompass a variety of conditions, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy. Celiac disease, the most severe of these disorders, results in an autoimmune response triggering damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested, thereby hindering nutrient absorption. Individuals affected by this condition experience a range of symptoms, including digestive complications and skin issues.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, though less understood, results in various symptoms after gluten consumption, while wheat allergy represents an adverse reaction to proteins in wheat, which can lead to severe reactions such as hives and anaphylaxis. Gluten is prevalent in numerous food and drink items, including pasta, cereal, and beer, as well as in non-food items like cosmetics and medications.

The Celiac Disease Foundation notes the integral role gluten plays in maintaining the structure of food. While gluten intolerance can affect anyone, it is more frequently observed in women and may develop in individuals throughout their lives. There is currently no cure, but a gluten-free diet often alleviates symptoms. The incorporation of probiotics and certain enzymes may further enhance gut health, helping to mitigate bloating, gas, and constipation.

Globally, celiac disease affects about 1% of the population, while the overall prevalence of wheat-related disorders is estimated at 6%, with a significant portion remaining undiagnosed. In India, approximately 6 to 8 million citizens are believed to have celiac disease, with higher prevalence rates reported among the Northern Indian population.

A multicenter study, dubbed "Emergence of Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders in Asia," conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, revealed varying prevalence rates across different regions. The rates were observed to be 1.23% in Northern India, significantly higher than the 0.87% in North-eastern India and 0.10% in Southern India. These regional differences may correlate with varying wheat consumption patterns rather than solely genetic factors, which the study emphasizes.

The study also highlights that the pathogenesis of celiac disease is influenced by a complex relationship between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. As countries like India and China continue to expand their wheat production, there is a growing concern over increased gluten consumption resulting from Western dietary influences and urban lifestyle changes. This uptick is tied to frequent fast-food consumption and dining out, which could elevate the risk of celiac disease among genetically susceptible populations.

In response to the rising awareness and incidence of wheat-related disorders, India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has been proactive in promoting proper labeling for gluten-free products while pushing for greater awareness of these conditions. To cater to the country's linguistic diversity, the FSSAI is also working on developing recognizable symbols or logos for gluten-free items.

Important Sentences:

• Gluten-related disorders include celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy.
• Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition resulting from gluten consumption, which damages the small intestine.
• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity leads to various symptoms post gluten ingestion, while wheat allergy can cause severe reactions.
• Gluten is widespread in many foods, drinks, and non-food products, posing risks for those with gluten-related disorders.
• Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the global population, with up to 6% suffering from wheat-related diseases, often undiagnosed.
• An estimated 6 to 8 million Indians have celiac disease, with higher rates in Northern India.
• A study found seroprevalence rates of celiac disease at 1.23% in Northern India, significantly higher than Southern India.
• Environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in the development of celiac disease.
• Increased gluten consumption in India is linked to urbanization, fast food trends, and Western dietary influences.
• The FSSAI is working on gluten-free product labeling and awareness initiatives to address gluten-related disorders in India.

The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) has praised the recent decision by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to classify tea from the plant Camellia sinensis as a healthy beverage. This ruling, announced on December 19, 2024, updates the "healthy" nutrient content claims to help consumers identify beneficial foods for a well-rounded diet.

The president of the Tea Association of the U.S.A., Peter F. Goggi, expressed it as "fantastic news" for the global tea industry, highlighting that this recognition allows tea to be marketed as a healthy option. NETA advisor and former vice-chairman of the Tea Board of India, Bidyananda Borkakoty, urged the Indian government to advocate for the promotion of tea as a wellness beverage, emphasizing its health benefits identified in global research.

The FDA acknowledged previous recognition of green tea’s health properties, particularly its relationship with certain cancers. However, the FDA has withheld the "healthy" claim from herbal teas, due to insufficient evidence regarding how other herbal infusions might contribute to healthy dietary practices. Consequently, the FDA’s ruling applies exclusively to tea derived from Camellia sinensis, including green and black teas, and not to a variety of herbal teas that may include ingredients like chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and others.

Key Points:

• The FDA recognized tea from the plant Camellia sinensis as a healthy beverage.
• This decision allows tea to be marketed with a "healthy" label, beneficial for the tea industry.
• Peter F. Goggi of the Tea Association of the U.S.A. called the ruling "fantastic news".
• NETA's Bidyananda Borkakoty urged India to promote tea as a wellness beverage.
• The FDA previously validated the health properties of green tea related to certain cancers.
• Herbal teas do not automatically qualify for the "healthy" claim due to insufficient evidence.
• The ruling explicitly applies to tea made from Camellia sinensis and not to herbal infusions.