Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Coeliac disease - an intolerant food intolerance:

Coeliac disease may be one of the most under-diagnosed illnesses in Australia & if you have symptoms, get tested for it.
By Kerryn Boogaard
Date: March 12 2014
Editor Rating:
coeliac_disease

As a dietitian I encounter many people who experience ongoing symptoms that could be associated with coeliac disease - but they put off being tested. People are often reluctant as they put their symptoms down to general irritable bowel syndrome which they may have dealt with for years, or are worried about a positive result which means changing their diet for good.

This is completely understandable, but soon after a formal diagnosis many people are relieved to say goodbye to some of their embarrassing symptoms and welcome their new found energy levels.

Too many people don’t want to go through the tests and are happy to just omit the major sources of gluten in their diet. This may lead to restricting foods unnecessarily if they don’t have coeliac disease. On the other hand, small amounts of gluten may be consumed leading to health complications if they do have coeliac disease. 

Coeliac disease is not as benign as other food intolerances. Although some people may have a non-coeliac gluten intolerance, ignoring the warning signs and symptoms of coeliac disease may increase risk for serious health complications. So let’s have a look at what coeliac disease is and why we are encouraging screening.

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to gluten.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, oats, barley, rye and triticale (triticale is a cereal grain created by cross-fertilisation of wheat and rye).

If people with coeliac disease eat gluten, small bowel damage can occur. This can lead to signs and symptoms such as:

  • Poor nutrient absorption resulting in fatigue and certain nutrient deficiencies such as iron deficiency
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating or distentionflatulence, diarrhoea, constipation or steatorrhoea (floating, fatty stools)
  • Weight loss, and
  • Bone pain.

Eating gluten (even the smallest amount) may lead to long-term, serious health complications such as lymphoma, osteoporosis and infertility in women.

Small bowel damage and the development of long-term complications can occur even if signs and symptoms are not experienced. This is an important reason to be formally tested if you feel there could be any chance that you gave coeliac disease.

Who gets coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease does not discriminate against age or gender and unfortunately, there is not currently any means of prevention. However, you do need a genetic predisposition to develop coeliac disease.

If you already have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, have a family history of coeliac disease or are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, you should be screened.

What’s involved in screening?

The first step of screening involves a simple blood test. The purpose is to identify elevated coeliac antibodies (elevated due to the immune systems reaction to gluten). If the results are positive, a biopsy of the small bowel is required to confirm a diagnosis of coeliac disease. It is important that gluten is not restricted prior to screening.

When a diagnosis of coeliac disease is unclear or difficult to determine, gene (HLA) testing can be used. Although a small biopsy is still required to diagnose coeliac disease, a negative test for the HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8 genes can correctly out rule coeliac disease. This test can be performed on a blood test or cheek (buccal) scraping ordered through your GP.

How can coeliac disease be managed?

Currently the only way to effectively manage coeliac disease is to follow a strict gluten free diet for life. Gluten is found in wheat, oats, barley, rye and tricticale, therefore foods containing these must be avoided and substitutes found.

Some naturally gluten-free foods include rice, quinoa, sago, tapioca, buckwheat, soy, arrowroot, fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, meat (except most processed meats), poultry, fish, most dairy foods and fats and oils.

Some foods containing gluten such as wheat-based pasta and breads have been manufactured to have the gluten removed. If any of these food products are labeled ‘gluten free’ you can be sure that they contain no detectable gluten.

Some products will also have the ‘crossed grain logo,’ which means they are endorsed by Coeliac Australia and are tested to be suitable for people with coeliac disease.

To help you identify major and hidden sources of gluten, the ingredients list on a food label is an important tool. If any ingredient in a product is derived from wheat, oats, barley or rye then this must be declared on the ingredients list.

If you would like more information on coeliac disease, including screening for and managing the condition with a gluten free diet visit the Coeliac Australia website and book an appointment with your GP if you have identified any signs or symptoms of coeliac disease.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
1 Total Comments
Rosemary says: 2014 03 22
Rating:

Good timing !! My nephew was diagnosed with severe Coelic disease last year. He was told it is usually hereditary. Some members of his family do not believe that to be true. He has stuck to the special diet rigidly but does not appear to have gained any weight. At least he hasn’t lost any more. Eating out is the biggest headache. Some places do not cater for gluten free at all. It is a nightmare when travelling on holidays for more than a weekend.

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
gluten_free
4 out of 5 people with coeliac disease are unaware…
Read more
gluten_free_meal
A research study suggests Coeliac Disease may be the most…
Read more
gluten
New free add-on to a mobile phone app to help…
Read more
boy_eating_sandwich
Awareness of food intolerance is on the rise, but it's…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.