5 Myths and Facts about Celiac Disease

At E3 Energy Cubes, we’re passionate about creating clean, gluten-free fuel you can trust. But we know that there are many myths about gluten-free diets and celiac disease. For example, celiac isn’t just a “gluten sensitivity”—it’s a serious autoimmune trigger that can affect long-term health. But despite growing awareness, celiac is still surrounded by myths and misconceptions.

Myth 1: Celiac Disease Is Just a “Gluten Allergy”

Fact: Celiac disease isn’t an allergy, it’s an autoimmune condition. When someone with celiac eats gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye), their immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine. This damages the villi, the fingerlike structures that absorb nutrients. Over time, that damage can lead to malnutrition, bone loss, anemia, and other complications. Unlike a food allergy, which causes an immediate reaction, celiac damage happens internally and accumulates over time.

Myth 2: A Little Bit of Gluten Won’t Hurt

Fact: For people with celiac, even tiny amounts of gluten such as crumbs on a shared cutting board or traces from a contaminated spoon can cause intestinal damage. Studies show that exposure above 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten is unsafe. That’s why cross-contact matters so much. At E3, we have a completely gluten-free facility and our cubes are 100% gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry about those hidden traces.

Myth 3: Celiac Disease Is Rare

Fact: About 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, but many go undiagnosed. Because symptoms vary from digestive issues to migraines, fatigue, rashes, and even infertility, diagnosis often takes years. Some estimates suggest that up to 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. Far from rare, celiac is common and increasingly recognized in both children and adults.

Myth 4: Going Gluten-Free Is Just a Fad

Fact: While gluten-free diets have become trendy, for people with celiac, avoiding gluten isn’t optional, it’s the only treatment. A strict gluten-free diet allows the gut to heal and prevents further damage. For those without celiac, some research suggests gluten can cause discomfort in people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). And for athletes, gluten-free options can sometimes feel lighter on the stomach during endurance events. In short, gluten-free isn’t a fad when it’s about health, performance, or healing.

Myth 5: If You Don’t Have Digestive Symptoms, You Don’t Have Celiac

Fact: Not everyone with celiac has the “classic” stomach pain and diarrhea. Many have non-gastrointestinal symptoms, like joint pain, brain fog, skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis), depression, or anemia. Some people don’t notice obvious symptoms at all, but silent damage can still occur. That’s why celiac is often called a “chameleon disease”-- it looks different in every person.

Final Word

Celiac disease is real, serious, and often misunderstood. At E3 Energy Cubes, we’re proud to offer a safe, gluten-free protein bar option for people with celiac and anyone looking for clean fuel to power their active lifestyle. Because everyone deserves energy they can trust.

A great resource for those with celiac disease or gluten free diets is the annual My Gluten Free World Expo in Sandy, Utah, with over 100 gluten free vendors, including E3 Energy Cubes!