By Lew Kizer — 2026-10-24 — Health & Nutrition
The short answer
A nationwide study published in Pediatric Research on October 22, 2026 used France's national health data to identify 41,690 children with celiac disease from 2011 to 2022. Diagnosed prevalence was 0.15% in 2022, ranging from 0.08% to 0.25% by region. Median age at diagnosis rose from 6 to 7, girls outnumbered boys and 9.7% also had type 1 diabetes.
Key facts
- 41,690 children under 18 with celiac disease identified, 2011 to 2022.
- National prevalence of diagnosed celiac disease: 0.15% in 2022.
- Regional range: 0.08% in the north-west to 0.25% in the south-east.
- Median age at diagnosis rose from 6 (2011) to 7 (2015).
- Male-to-female ratio 0.88; 9.7% had type 1 diabetes; 1.7% thyroid disease.
- Beyond Celiac estimates about 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, many undiagnosed.
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Oct. 24, 2026 — How many children have celiac disease? A study covering every child in France offers a new answer for diagnosed cases, and a reminder of how many may be missed.
This article reports research news and is not medical advice. Talk with your clinician before changing your diet, supplements or medicines.
The numbers
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Children identified, 2011–2022 | 41,690 |
| Prevalence, 2022 | 0.15% |
| Regional range | 0.08% to 0.25% |
| Annual new cases | 12.4 to 17.4 per 100,000 |
| Median age at diagnosis | 6 to 7 years |
| Also had type 1 diabetes | 9.7% |
The authors concluded that celiac disease prevalence in French children is low, with regional differences, and that the age at diagnosis and the higher share of girls matched recent European studies.
Diagnosed is not the same as present
The study counted children identified through hospital records, long-term illness registration or blood tests. Children who were never tested are not in the count. In the U.S., Beyond Celiac estimates about 1 in 133 people has celiac disease and up to 83% are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Separately, argenx confirmed on October 22 that it is advancing its celiac drug FB102 to Phase 3.
Our guide to celiac disease in children covers symptoms, who should be tested and why to keep eating gluten until the test.
“The average person with celiac disease waits six years for a diagnosis. We exist for those people.” — Lew Kizer, Founder, SmashMeals
Commentary, not medical advice
The SmashMeals perspective
A study of diagnosed cases measures who got tested, not only who has the disease. Beyond Celiac estimates up to 83% of Americans with it are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. For parents, the practical point is simple: if your child has symptoms, type 1 diabetes or a family member with celiac disease, ask about testing before going gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
How common is celiac disease in children?
In France, diagnosed celiac disease was found in 0.15% of children in 2022. Screening studies elsewhere and U.S. estimates of about 1 in 133 people suggest many cases go undiagnosed.
Are children with type 1 diabetes at higher risk of celiac disease?
Yes. In the French study, 9.7% of children with celiac disease also had type 1 diabetes. MedlinePlus lists type 1 diabetes among reasons to consider testing.
Should my child keep eating gluten before a celiac test?
Yes. MedlinePlus says to keep eating gluten for a few weeks before testing, following your provider's instructions, or the test may be falsely negative.
Sources and credits
Follow the original sources for context and verification. A reference is not an endorsement of SmashMeals.
- Low prevalence of celiac disease in French children, a nationwide study (opens in a new tab)
Pediatric Research
Why it matters: The peer-reviewed study and its numbers.
- Celiac disease: facts and figures (opens in a new tab)
Beyond Celiac
Why it matters: U.S. prevalence and diagnosis estimates for comparison.
- Celiac disease screening (opens in a new tab)
MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Why it matters: Symptoms in children and who should be tested.