More than 8,000 registered dietitians and nutrition professionals gathered in Nashville from October 11–14 for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® (FNCE®).
This year, celiac disease took center stage thanks to a powerful session led by Meghan Donnelly McKeon, MS, RDN, CDN, Director of Health Communications at the Celiac Disease Foundation, alongside Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee members Anne Lee, EdD, RDN, LD; Amelie Therrien, MD; and Melinda Dennis, MS, RDN, LD.
Hundreds of dietitians packed the room for the 90-minute session and stayed for an extended Q&A that continued long after. The discussion explored the real-world challenges of living with celiac disease and the critical role of dietitians in supporting patients. Presenters tackled widespread misinformation about cross-contact in shared kitchens, advisory labeling, and social challenges, offering evidence-based strategies to balance safety with quality of life.
FNCE® 2025 highlighted the value of working with dietitians trained in celiac disease. Dietitians looking to deepen their expertise can pursue the Certificate of Training in Treating Gluten-Related Disorders (COT) offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This five-module program is developed by celiac disease experts from across the United States, including the presenters at FNCE®. Dietitians who complete the program may be eligible for a reimbursement grant of up to $150. Patients seeking dietitians with specialized celiac training can use the Celiac Disease Foundation’s Healthcare Practitioner Directory, which provides a state-by-state listing of licensed professionals who have demonstrated that they have completed specialized celiac disease training.