Can Native Americans have celiac disease?

Answer 1

The quick answer is yes.. especially if they are multi-racial. What are the odds? I don't know, but Celiac Disease has been found in Asians, Africans, Arabs, Indians and Europeans. The prevalence though may be less in Native Americans vs Europeans. Europeans generally are viewed at about 1 in 130, though more northern Europeans like Ireland, Norway, Finland, etc the numbers are like 1 in 110.

For people of N. Africa descent its 1 in 18! Research is less conclusive in Asian peoples since their diets are generally gluten free to begin with, though the use of wheat noodles is on the rise in Japan and some other cultures and with it the prevalence of Celiac Disease in those countries indicating that "gut" functions are similar amongst all races and cultures.

Most research being done has been Euro-Centric but recent studies indicate that Celiac Disease is present in every race and culture. If you are Native American or of mixed race and you feel you have some GI issues that sound similar to CD, then get blood tested for the disease. You have nothing to lose but your health to gain.