It goes without saying that anyone who serves in the military needs to be healthy and strong—and that military leaders have an obligation to keep enlisted servicemen and women as safe and healthy as possible. So, it makes sense that people with food allergies (including celiac patients) are disqualified from military service, but it is less clear why celiac testing is not a part of the medical exam to qualify for enlistment.
Today, the Gluten Free RN addresses the issue of celiac disease in the military. She explains the challenges of preparing gluten-free food in a mess hall setting and describes the consequences for an active duty soldier who is found to have celiac disease.
Nadine shares a research study exploring celiac trends among active duty military as well as a case study around veterans and celiac disease. Listen in for insight on what’s behind the increased prevalence of celiac disease among military personnel and the confirmed association between celiac disease and other complex health issues.
What’s Discussed:
Why celiac patients are disqualified from enlisting in any branch of service
- Unable to provide safe food
What happens to military personnel who are found to have celiac disease
- Will receive medical discharge
The US military policy around food allergies and intolerances
- No accommodations made
Countries that allow celiac patients to serve
- Israel, Finland and Scandinavia
The Mayo Clinic study of celiac trends among active duty military
- Healthy worker population with medical diagnostic coding
- Incidence of celiac disease increased five-fold from 1999-2008
- Combination of increased suspicion and environmental factors
The challenge of preparing gluten-free food in a military setting
- High risk of cross-contamination
A case study involving military veterans and celiac disease
- Confirmed association between CD and other complex issues
The benefits of a gluten-free diet
- Preventative for autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies and cancer
Nadine’s argument for celiac testing prior to enlistment
- Obligation to safety of servicemen/women
Resources:
Military Standards of Medical Fitness
‘The Incidence and Risk of Celiac Disease in a Healthy US Adult Population’ in the American Journal of Gastroenterology
‘Celiac Sprue Among US Military Veterans: Associated Disorders and Clinical Manifestations’ in Digestive Diseases and Sciences
‘Gluten-Free Soldier in Afghanistan’ in Gluten-Free Living
‘Medical Mix-Up Sidelines Army Sergeant’s Career’ in Military Times
Celiac Disease-Related Veterans Affairs Case
Connect with Nadine:
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Books by Nadine:
Dough Nation: A Nurse’s Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
Makes sense that someone with celiac isn’t able to join the military? Because we aren’t healthy and strong? Woman, you need to rethink your wording before you insult us. All we want is to serve our country and you call us unhealthy it’s a simple change that will eventually come once we spread our genes throughout the population enough.
Honestly, it’s a bit saddening to know that there is not enough funding to provide safe gluten free meals to aspiring soldiers who have celiac disease. Now in no way am I angry about the current system, nor do I think I am entitled to service, but there is definitely something to be done, and hopefully we will see some new soldiers if something is done.
I am composing a story for Gluten Free Living about how to send care packages to GF soldiers
How can I find how many soldiers are affected and the best ways to support them?
Thanks
Matt Robinson, Publisher
“The Robinson Reporter” (www.TheRobinsonReporter.com)
63 Brookline Street, Needham, MA 02492
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matt@therobinsonreporter.com
Why not change the way the military service feeds all there service members by going all gluten free & vegan? More & more young people have allergies to gluten, lactose & peanuts who want to serve our country.
Barbara,
That would definitely be an option that could be and should be explored.
Warmly,
Nadine
I have celiac disease but wasn’t diagnosed until after my discharge. Glad I was out before being diagnosed. I don’t feel it’s right to medically discharge someone because of it or deny them altogether from joining. I have learned to live with it while out and and they could have made provisions. Our country is sad!