What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac Disease is an intestinal disorder caused by intolerance to gluten, a component of wheat, rye, barley and oats. Gluten contains a protein called alpha-gliadin. In people with Coeliac Disease, this protein causes damage to the mucous lining of the intestine, thus impairing the body's ability to absorb vital nutrients. This leads to deficiencies of vitamins, folic acid, iron, calcium, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Without these essential nutrients, malnutrition will occur despite an adequate diet.

Coeliac Disease can affect adults and children. The first signs are usually diarrhoea, weight loss and anaemia. Other signs include nausea, abdominal bloating, large and frequent pale or light yellow foul smelling bowel movements that float; depression, fatigue, irritability, muscle cramps and wasting; and joint or bone pain. Sometimes there is also a red itchy skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis). Young children and infants may have stunted growth, vomiting, poor appetite and mouth ulcers.

Those with Coeliac Disease may have an increased risk of osteoporosis, and bone density tests are advised. Coeliac Disease also causes malabsorption of B Complex vitamins especially folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12; the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and the minerals iron, calcium, selenium and zinc.
If you are concerned about the above symptoms, see a health care professional for additional guidance.