The gluten-free diet: access and economic aspects and impact on lifestyle

Background: The cost and availability of gluten-free products (GFPs) are aspects associated with gluten-free dietary compliance. In turn, following a gluten-free diet (GFD) could impact on lifestyle. Objectives: To investigate the availability and cost of GFPs in Northwestern Mexico, to associate these factors with gluten-free dietary noncompliance, and to evaluate the impact of the GFD on lifestyle. Materials and methods: Gluten-containing foods were compared with their gluten-free versions. The data were collected by store visitation (16 supermarkets and 10 health food stores). Individuals prescribed a GFD by a physician were surveyed (n = 36). Results: The gluten-free versions investigated (n = 16) had limited availability (average 26.9%; 4.3 gluten-free versions available per store) and were more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts (190%–1088%, P < 0.05). Poor gluten-free dietary compliance was attributed to the high cost (n = 36) and low availability (n = 30) of GFPs. Most respondents were afraid of dining out (n = 35), were limiting their social activities (n = 32), and had difficulties traveling (n = 30). Conclusion: Health care professionals who counsel gluten-sensitive patients should provide tools to facilitate access to GFPs and to minimize the cost of the GFD, and consider the diet-associated social restrictions.