Written by: Alyssa Ramuscak, Celiac Canada Research Analyst, August 24, 2026
When actor Jon Bernthal, known for his roles in The Bear, The Punisher, and more recently, The Odyssey, shared that he lives with celiac disease, it sparked conversations about a condition that is often overlooked in men. While research suggests that the prevalence of celiac disease is higher in women with an average 2:1 female to male ratio,(1) thousands of Canadian men are also living with the condition and facing unique challenges that deserve attention.
Findings from Celiac Canada’s State of Celiac Disease Survey (2) provide important insight into men’s experiences, from lengthy diagnostic delays to persistent symptoms and the emotional realities of living with a lifelong gluten-free diet.
One of the most interesting findings from the State of Celiac Disease survey was how long men lived with symptoms before receiving a diagnosis:
Some research suggests that men may be diagnosed later than women. Researchers believe this may be because men are less likely to seek medical care, symptoms may be overlooked, or healthcare providers may be less likely to suspect celiac disease in men.(1,3)
The consequences of delayed diagnosis can be serious. Years of untreated celiac disease can increase the risk of osteoporosis, infertility, lymphoma, and poorer quality of life.(4) Earlier recognition and testing of celiac disease in men should be a healthcare priority.
For people with celiac disease, the gluten-free diet is the only clinically recommended treatment.(5–7) The encouraging news is that based on State of Celiac Disease survey findings, about 92% of Canadian men reported following the diet with some rare accidental gluten exposure. In addition, more than half (57%) reported that following the diet was somewhat easy to very easy.
Despite these findings, many men continue to experience ongoing symptoms. The most commonly reported persistent symptoms from men in the State of Celiac Disease survey included:
These findings emphasize that persistent symptoms should not automictically be interpreted as someone not following their gluten-free diet. While there is always the possibility of unintentional gluten exposure through hidden gluten sources in foods, medications, supplements, or cross contact, sometimes persistent symptoms can indicate another underlying condition with similar symptoms to celiac disease, including irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disorders, or pancreatic insufficiency.8 It is important that persistent symptoms are investigated by a healthcare provider and that comprehensive assessments are provided.
Receiving a diagnosis of celiac disease after years of unexplained symptoms can bring a tremendous sense of relief.
In our survey, 40% of men reported feeling relieved often or very often during the first few months after diagnosis. At the same time, about 46% of men reported feeling frustrated often or very often, likely reflecting the steep learning curve of adopting a gluten-free diet.
Interestingly, when re-examining those symptoms at the time the survey was completed, those feelings flipped. In the State of Celiac survey, nearly 47% of men reported feeling frustrated never or rarely, and 46% of men reported feeling relieved never or rarely.
Previous research suggests that while finally having an explanation for years of symptoms can be validating, the day-to-day realities of living with celiac disease, including constantly checking labels, planning ahead, avoiding cross-contact, and navigating social situations, can gradually replace that initial sense of relief.(9)
Recent qualitative research has shown that many men also experience stigma surrounding celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, including experiences of social exclusion, teasing, microaggressions, and assumptions that the gluten-free diet is simply a preference rather than a medical necessity. Many of the men in this study also described wanting to fit in with friends, teammates, and colleagues, and reported intentionally eating gluten to avoid standing out or being seen as different.(10)
Overall, these findings highlight an important message: support for men with celiac disease shouldn’t stop after diagnosis. Mental health, social support, and ongoing education all play an important role in long-term well-being.
Celiac disease often runs in families. (5–7) When one person is diagnosed, it creates an opportunity to think about the health of other family members.
In our survey, about a third of the men reported having a first-degree relative with celiac disease, which reinforces the importance of talking about family history. If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, speak with your parents, siblings, and children about your diagnosis. First-degree relatives have a much higher risk of developing celiac disease than the general population and discussing family history with a healthcare provider may help identify the condition earlier.
Men have historically been underrepresented in celiac disease research.(10)
Canadian men with celiac disease continue to face long diagnostic delays, persistent physical and mental health symptoms, and the ongoing challenges of living with a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet.
Improving awareness of celiac disease in men, promoting earlier diagnosis, supporting mental health, and encouraging conversations about family history are all important steps towards improving the health and quality of life of men living with celiac disease.
Improving awareness of celiac disease in men, promoting earlier diagnosis, supporting mental health, and encouraging conversations about family history are all important steps towards improving the health and quality of life of men living with celiac disease.
References
1. Jansson-Knodell CL, Hujoel IA, West CP, et al. Sex Difference in Celiac Disease in Undiagnosed Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2019;17(10):1954-1968.e13. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2018.11.013
2. Celiac Canada. State of Celiac Survey Results: The Rising Challenges of Living with Celiac Disease in Canada A Report From. 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.celiac.ca/state-of-celiac/
3. Dixit R, Lebwohl B, Ludvigsson JF, Lewis SK, Rizkalla-Reilly N, Green PHR. Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed Less Frequently in Young Adult Males. Dig Dis Sci. 2014;59(7):1509-1512. doi:10.1007/s10620-014-3025-6
4. Rubio–Tapia A, Kyle RA, Kaplan EL, et al. Increased Prevalence and Mortality in Undiagnosed Celiac Disease. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(1):88-93. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2009.03.059
5. Blom JJ, Gidrewicz D, Turner J, Duerksen DR, Pinto-Sánchez MI. Diagnosis and management of celiac disease. Can Med Assoc J. 2025;197(38):E1258-E1265. doi:10.1503/cmaj.230091
6. Penny HA, Shiha MG, Raju SA, et al. The 2026 British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the diagnosis and management of adult coeliac disease. Gut. Published online July 12, 2026:gutjnl-2025-337747. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2025-337747
7. Rubio-Tapia A, Hill ID, Semrad C, et al. American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines Update: Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2023;118(1):59-76. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000002075
8. Penny HA, Baggus EMR, Rej A, Snowden JA, Sanders DS. Non-Responsive Coeliac Disease: A Comprehensive Review from the NHS England National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):216. doi:10.3390/nu12010216
9. Wolf RL, Lebwohl B, Lee AR, et al. Hypervigilance to a Gluten-Free Diet and Decreased Quality of Life in Teenagers and Adults with Celiac Disease. Dig Dis Sci. 2018;63(6):1438-1448. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-4936-4
10. Pitt A, Lerigo F, Satherley RM. Health-Related Stigma and Challenges Faced by Men Living with Celiac Disease: A Qualitative Analysis. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2024;124(6):674-685. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2023.11.018
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