What Is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease (or ‘celiac’ as it’s known in the US) is a lifelong genetic autoimmune disease triggered by eating gluten. Gluten is a protein found in barley, rye and wheat. Some people with coeliac disease react to oats as well.
Coeliac disease is also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy and coeliac sprue. Contrary to popular belief, coeliac disease isn’t a simple food intolerance.
If you suffer from coeliac disease, eating gluten will cause your body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. This attack centres on the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to difficulty absorbing nutrients. This is the reason why coeliac disease is considered an important cause of malabsorption.
Contrary to popular belief, coeliac disease isn't a simple food intolerance.Dr Adam Fox, Paediatric Allergy Consultant
Coeliac disease isn’t a food allergy, so sufferers don’t experience serious life-threatening ‘anaphylactic’ reactions when they eat gluten. However, coeliac disease can cause chronic health problems in children and adults if left untreated.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is one of the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. It’s a mixture of gliadin and glutenin and is the substance that gives bread its doughy, elastic texture.
Dr Adam Fox,
Tanya Wright , BSc hons, HPC registered,
Ria Campbell,
Ingredients and information are subject to frequent changes beyond our control – always be vigilant and seek medical advice if you have special dietary requirements.
