Self-Reported Prevalence Rates of Gluten-Related Disorders and Gluten-Free Diet Adherence Are Increasing in a Mexican Population: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study

Background/Objectives: Temporal trends in the prevalence rates of gluten-free diet (GFD) adherence and gluten-related disorders (GRDs) have not been evaluated in Latin America. This study aimed to conduct a 7-year comparison of self-reported prevalence rates of GFD adherence and GRDs in a Mexican population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted, and the prevalence estimates were compared with those from a previous study (2015/n = 1238 vs. 2022/n = 1214). Motivations for GFD adherence and the role of medical advice were also assessed. Results: The estimated prevalence rates were (2015/2022): recurrent adverse reactions to wheat- and/or gluten 7.83%/11.7% (p = 0.001), self-reported gluten sensitivity 1.53%/3.29% (p = 0.0045), celiac disease 0.08%/0.24% (p = 0.3699), wheat allergy 0.08%/0.57% (p = 0.037), non-celiac gluten sensitivity 1.37%/2.47% (p = 0.0474), GFD adherence 3.63%/7.16% (p = 0.0001), and self-reported physician-diagnosed CD 0.08%/0.24% (p = 0.3699). In the 2022 cohort, most people on GFD did not meet the criteria for SR-GS (60.91%), and their main motivations for GFD adherence were weight control (74.42%) and the perception that a GFD is healthier (22.64%) than a conventional one. Among those on GFD, 45.97% reported no medical or dietitian supervision. Conclusions: The prevalence rates of self-reported GFD adherence and GRDs increased significantly over 7 years. Although this finding could imply greater awareness of GRDs, a high proportion of those adhering to the diet are still doing so without medical/dietitian supervision and for reasons other than a medical condition.