Episode Details
Back to EpisodesDietetics Meets Lived Experience – Penny Dellsperger on Coeliac Disease, Advocacy & Research
Description
A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 10
On this episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m joined by Penny Dellsperger, an accredited dietitian, Health Advocacy Officer at Coeliac Australia, and someone who also lives with coeliac disease herself. Penny brings a rare dual perspective — both professional and personal — to the world of gluten-free living, patient support, and cutting-edge research.
We dive into Penny’s own coeliac diagnosis and how it shaped her career path in nutrition and dietetics. As someone who not only educates and advocates for people with coeliac disease but also manages the condition herself, Penny offers incredibly insightful advice on navigating the gluten-free diet with confidence and evidence-based guidance.
We also explore her role at Coeliac Australia, where she’s deeply involved in advocacy, public education, and national projects that aim to improve the health outcomes of people living with coeliac disease. Penny unpacks some of the major research projects she's contributed to, including the Gluten Threshold Study, the role of oats in the gluten-free diet, and challenges around coeliac disease diagnosis in Australia.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with coeliac disease, or working in healthcare, this episode offers clear, science-backed information from someone who truly “gets it” from both sides.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Penny’s personal journey with coeliac disease and diagnosis
- Why she became a dietitian and how her diagnosis shaped her path
- Her current role at Coeliac Australia and what it involves
- An overview of key research studies including the Gluten Threshold Study
- The controversy and science around oats and gluten
- Challenges in diagnosing coeliac disease in Australia today
- Advice for navigating the gluten-free diet with confidence
Links & Resources:
- Coeliac Australia
- About Penny Dellsperger – Coeliac Australia Team
- Gluten Threshold Study
- Oats and the Gluten Free Diet
- Diagnosing Coeliac Disease
Connect with A Gluten Free Family:
Instagram: @a.gffamily
Email: aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
I am not a medical professional. The information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice tailored to your personal circumstances.