ABSTRACT Objective: Celiac disease is a chronic disease which has a high prevalence in our society. The aim of this paper is to explore the process of adapting the celiac in different social environments, assessing the impact of the implementation of a strict gluten-free diet. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in the months of January 2013 to April 2013 through which the grounded theory and content analysis have deepened the analysis of semi-structured interviews with people with celiac disease in Spain. Appeals via social networks and celiac groups were conducted in order to reach theoretical saturation, which determined the final sample size of 24 people. Results: Social isolation, loneliness and social ignorance are some of the categories that have emerged when we talk about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. Conclusion: Professionals should promote and support social support strategies based on an integrated understanding of the experiences of displacement and marginalization that celiac patients experience in their social relationships through food. There should be increased health education to understand and integrate the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis of celiac disease and the gluten-free diet.

ABSTRACT Objective: Celiac disease is a chronic disease which has a high prevalence in our society. The aim of this paper is to explore the process of adapting the celiac in different social environments, assessing the impact of the implementation of a strict gluten-free diet. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out in the months of January 2013 to April 2013 through which the grounded theory and content analysis have deepened the analysis of semi-structured interviews with people with celiac disease in Spain. Appeals via social networks and celiac groups were conducted in order to reach theoretical saturation, which determined the final sample size of 24 people. Results: Social isolation, loneliness and social ignorance are some of the categories that have emerged when we talk about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. Conclusion: Professionals should promote and support social support strategies based on an integrated understanding of the experiences of displacement and marginalization that celiac patients experience in their social relationships through food. There should be increased health education to understand and integrate the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis of celiac disease and the gluten-free diet.