Thank you for publishing two very worthwhile articles in your newspaper: ‘Get tested for coeliac' and ‘Tips for parents to help their kids'.

They were well researched and informative and delivered many of Coeliac New Zealand's key messages for Coeliac Awareness Week: getting tested for coeliac disease; understanding the importance of a gluten free diet; and the support offered by Coeliac New Zealand.

However, it was very disappointing, and quite frankly worrying, to see an advertorial
from Bruce Hart alongside these articles, purporting the wonders of gelatine as a cure-all for coeliac disease.

We are concerned that the Coeliac New Zealand logo was used as part of this advert
and wish to state unequivocally that we do not support or condone Mr Hart's claims.

Coeliac disease sufferers have an autoimmune response to gluten. The only known cure for the disease is to eat a gluten free diet.

People with the disease must be extremely vigilant in removing gluten from their diet and currently there is no cure – it is a life-long disease.

Coeliac New Zealand is concerned that some of Sun readers may be at risk, after reading Mr Hart's claims, in thinking gelatine is a cure and that they can be less vigilant about removing gluten from their diet.

This is concerning. Anyone wanting more information, please visit
Coeliac New Zealand's website: www.coeliac.org.nz

Pip McKay, Acting President, Coeliac NZ.