Gluten Free: Another Food Fad?

It sounds like an unfolding epidemic: A decade ago, virtually no one in the U.S. seemed to have a problem eating gluten in bread and other foods. Now, millions do. Gluten-free products are flying off grocery shelves, and restaurants are boasting of meals with no gluten. Celebrities on TV talk shows chat about the digestive discomfort they blame on the wheat protein they now shun. Some churches even offer gluten-free Communion wafers. “I don’t know whether there’s more people getting this or that more people are noticing” they have a problem, said the Rev. Richard Allen, pastor at Mamaroneck United Methodist Church, north of New York City. Or is it just another food fad?/ Associated Press . More here. (AP photo: Bertha Domimguez prepares gluten-free dough at Pure Knead bakery sandwich bread in Decatur, Ga.)

Question: So is the rise in interest for gluten-free food products legitimate — or just another food fad?