Need to identify and develop safe wheat varieties for celiac patients: Dr Ajit Sood

Ludhiana, November 26, 2014: “Celiac disease is a common health problem. There is a need to identify and develop safe wheat varieties for celiac patients,” observed Dr Ajit Sood, Professor and Head, Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, while delivering his talk at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. Dr Sood was speaking on the topic “Celiac Disease: A Link between Physicians and Plant Breeders” during a guest lecture organised by PAU Science Club, wherein students and faculty of the university participated.

 

The senior officers of PAU including Dr P.K. Khanna, Registrar; Dr Gursharan Singh, Dean, Postgraduate Studies and Chairman of the Club; Dr H.S. Dhaliwal, Dean, College of Agriculture and Dr J.K. Sangha, Dean, College of Home Science were also present on the occasion.

 

In his talk, Dr Sood referred to the increasing prevalence of celiac disease across the countries. He disclosed, “In United Kingdom (UK), the prevalence of this disease in 1960 was 1:8000 whereas in 2003 it was 1: 100. In USA, the prevalence of this disease in 1960 was 1:5000 whereas in 2003, it was 1: 133.” He further revealed that according to a study conducted by UK, Punjabis carry high risk of celiac disease. The prevalence of celiac disease in north Indian community is 1 in 96, he said, while adding that the disease is more common than recognised in India. “By 2020, the disease is estimated to see 200 per cent growth,” he cautioned. In addition, he also expressed concern over the prevalence of celiac disease among school children in Punjab. Dr Sood said that nausea/vomiting, hair loss, joint and back pain, depression, etc. are some of the symptoms of this disease. Stating that possible reasons are 21st century diet and modern wheat, he emphasised that gluten free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease. Dr Sood called upon the celiac patients to avoid wheat, barley and rye. Development of safer wheat varieties is the need of the hour, he added.

 

Dr Gursharan Singh appreciated the informative, interesting and stimulating talk of Dr Sood. He hoped that the outcome of the collaboration between PAU and DMC&H will prove to be beneficial.

 

Earlier, welcoming the guest speaker and the gathering, Dr S.S. Kukal, Professor of Soil Conservation, highlighted the aims and objectives of the club.

 

Dr Parveen Chhuneja, Molecular Geneticist, PAU gave a brief introduction of the speaker and said that Dr Sood is recipient of Dr BC Roy Award.

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