22.02.2013 Views

EVALUATION OF FOUR SORGHUM HYBRIDS THROUGH THE ...

EVALUATION OF FOUR SORGHUM HYBRIDS THROUGH THE ...

EVALUATION OF FOUR SORGHUM HYBRIDS THROUGH THE ...

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

MARKET FOR GLUTEN-FREE PRODUCTS<br />

In 2003, the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research in Baltimore,<br />

conducted a study that found that 1 out of 133 Americans have celiac disease. More<br />

recently, an estimated 1:100 Americans are affected by this disease (Case 2006). The<br />

increase in prevalence is claimed to be due to an increasing awareness and better<br />

diagnosis from physicians. With this growth, comes a demand for gluten-free products.<br />

These products are beginning to be seen in major supermarkets instead of simply in<br />

health food stores.<br />

The numbers can further emphasize this growth. Enjoy Life Foods, a food<br />

company specializing in gluten-free foods, had first-year sales of half a million dollars<br />

and is continuing to grow in size (Palmer 2004). Even more impressive, in 2005, Wal-<br />

mart had 982 gluten-free products listed and Whole Foods Market listed over 800 (The<br />

Associated Press 2006). From 2004 to 2005 alone, sales of gluten-free foods increased<br />

14.6% or 77.8 million dollars (University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center 2008).<br />

Not only is the production of gluten-free products helping those who cannot<br />

tolerate the compound, but such products are starting to create a new diet. Dr. Leo<br />

Treyzon, who specializes in gastrointestinal disorders at UCLA, stated that “the whole<br />

celiac disease problem has created a celiac fad diet” when being interviewed on the radio<br />

show NPR in May of 2007 (Aubrey 2007). People with irritable bowl syndrome describe<br />

less bloating and stomach cramping when wheat is eliminated from their diet. Others<br />

mention weight loss as well.<br />

14

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!