Genetics and Disease Development

Today’s podcast is about a topic that that is very important in the lives of people with celiac….genetics. Close to 40 percent of the population in America carries these genes, but only 3 percent of them go on to develop celiac...why would they do so? 

And, we have lots of families who regularly ask us if they carry the gene if they should just go gluten-free to prevent getting celiac disease. Is this right? 

To help our listeners better understand celiac genetic testing, I have Dr. Benny Kerzner in the studio with me. Dr. Kerzner is not only a leader in the global celiac disease community, but the also the medical director of our Celiac Program here at Children’s National. 

Thank you to the Walter and Jean Boek Global Autoimmune Institute for their ongoing support to make this podcast possible.