Gluten-Free Expo in Sandy on Oct. 12

Products and services for Utahns with gluten intolerance and celiac disease will be on display at the National Gluten-Free Expo this Saturday, Oct. 12 at the South Towne Expo Center, 9575 S. State St., Sandy, Utah. The expo will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The expo—sponsored by Macey’s, Fresh Markets, Harmon’s, Dan’s, Dick’s and Lin’s—  will offer gluten-free product samples from more than 150 manufacturers. There will also be cooking demos, medical presentations, a gluten-free beer garden, and the “SillyActs Corner” with games, face-painting, and bouncy houses for kids, according to a press release.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the digestive system that causes debilitating pain, fatigue and malnutrition and, if undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to the development of further autoimmune and neurological dysfunction, as well as osteoporosis, infertility and cancer.

Debbie Deaver, founder of the Gluten-Free Expo, was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2009, after nearly a decade of unexplained maladies. In a press release, she said founded the expo to help others get a quicker diagnosis and learn to live with the restrictions of a gluten-free diet.

“About one percent of the population suffers from celiac disease,” said Deaver. “That would mean about 28,000 individuals in Utah. But celiac disease disrupts the entire family, since it causes severe health problems and forces families to change their diets completely. We’re trying to help make that transition easier.”

Over seven thousand people attended the 2012 Gluten-Free Expo, and the sponsors expect a larger turnout this year, as awareness grows of celiac disease and of the general benefits of a gluten-free diet.

Tickets are $8, or $5 or seniors, military and ages 8-12.  You can buy tickets and get more information at http://glutenfreeexpo.com.