Gluten-Free Expo in West Palm Beach at Fairgrounds Feb. 19

​To serve the growing interest in gluten-free foods, the Celiac Disease Foundation of South Florida has expanded its annual expo and moved it to a new location.

This year's expo is at the South Florida Fairgrounds Saturday, Feb. 19, and will showcase vendors selling gluten-free products, allow room for lecturers on celiac disease and cooking demos with gluten-free products.

The free event is sponsored by the Celiac Disease Foundation, and according to Phyllis Kessler, director of the CDF, a larger crowd than last year is expected, so the event was moved from the Civic Center to accommodate the crowd, along with many more vendors and booths with information about celiac disease.

What is celiac disease?

People with celiac disease have a digestive disorder that results in damage to the small intestine. This prevents the proper absorption of key nutrients.  Gluten, a component of wheat, rye, oats and barley or their by-products, has been identified as the cause. Once thought to be rare, some studies show as many as 1 in 133 have this disorder. Symptoms can be varied and many go undiagnosed.

Experts will be on hand to explain the disease, its management and provide diet information.

The Gluten-Free Expo is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. For info, call 561-637-0396; www.cdfsouthflorida.org

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