The Celiac Disease Foundation was proud to participate in the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Annual Meeting in November 2024 in Florida, marking a historic moment for pediatric celiac disease research and education. For the first time, the Foundation funded two prestigious celiac disease research grants, supporting studies aimed at improving the diagnosis, treatment, and management of celiac disease in children.
Advancing Celiac Research: First-Ever NASPGHAN Celiac Grants
The Celiac Disease Foundation is committed to fostering scientific advancements that will improve the lives of individuals with celiac disease. This year, the Foundation introduced two new grant programs in collaboration with NASPGHAN, awarding a total of $175,000 in research funding:
- Celiac Disease Young Investigator Award – This $150,000 grant is designed to support promising researchers in the early stages of their careers, fostering their potential to contribute significantly to independent basic, translational, or clinical research in pediatric celiac disease. The inaugural recipient, Dr. Nan Du from Boston Children’s Hospital, was awarded this prestigious grant for the Gluten-Free Nutrition Optimization Through Ultra Processed Food Reduction and Improved Strategies for Health (GF-NOURISH) study. This research aims to improve gluten-free diet quality by reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods and implementing healthier dietary strategies.
- Celiac Disease Foundation/NASPGHAN Celiac Disease Pilot Grant – This $25,000 pilot grant supports innovative research and education projects addressing critical issues related to celiac disease and gluten-free diet management. The first recipient, Dr. Vahe Badalyan from Children’s National Hospital, will investigate systemic disparities in the screening, diagnosis, and referral process for celiac disease. His research will shed light on barriers to early diagnosis and equitable access to care, ensuring that all children receive timely and accurate celiac disease diagnoses.
Showcasing the Foundation’s Work in Culinary Medicine and Gluten Cross-Contact Research
Beyond funding groundbreaking research, the Celiac Disease Foundation continues to lead the charge in improving celiac disease education for healthcare professionals and patient families. At the NASPGHAN Annual Meeting, Chief Education and Community Engagement Officer Vanessa Weisbrod and Director of Health Communications Meghan Donnelly presented two abstracts showcasing the Foundation’s research initiatives:
- Improving Health Provider Confidence in Counseling Celiac Disease Patients Through Culinary Medicine – This study examined the impact of an accredited culinary medicine program designed to equip physicians and dietitians with practical knowledge on managing the gluten-free diet. The research demonstrated that participation in interactive cooking sessions improved provider confidence and enhanced their ability to educate patients on the medical, nutritional, and food aspects of living with celiac disease.
- Thorough Washing Mitigates the Risk of Gluten Cross-Contact in Shared Kitchen Spaces – This study explored the effectiveness of standardized washing procedures in reducing gluten cross-contact in shared kitchen equipment such as toasters, pots, strainers, and cutting boards. The findings confirmed that thorough washing with hot, soapy water effectively removes gluten and provides a safe environment for individuals with celiac disease.
Watch the NASPGHAN 2024 Recap on Instagram
Relive some of the best moments from NASPGHAN 2024 by watching our recap videos on Instagram! From a fun rendition of celiac physicians and dietitians singing along to Wicked to our staff engaging with attendees at our booth, these highlights showcase the vibrant community and impactful work of the Foundation. Watch Here!
Looking Ahead
The Celiac Disease Foundation’s participation in NASPGHAN 2024 reinforces its commitment to accelerating research, education, and advocacy for celiac disease. By funding cutting-edge research and equipping healthcare providers with essential knowledge, the Foundation continues to drive meaningful progress toward a future where individuals with celiac disease receive earlier diagnoses, better treatment options, and improved quality of life.
We are incredibly proud of this milestone and look forward to seeing the impact of these research projects in the years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing efforts to support the celiac disease community!