Coeliac Disease, also called ‘gluten-sensitive enteropathy’ or ‘coeliac sprue’ is a serious and surprisingly common condition that occurs when gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye) reacts with the small intestine causing the immune system to attack, inflame and eventually destroy the delicate lining of the bowel thereby reducing the ability of the gut to absorb necessary nutrients from food.
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 100-300 people suffer the condition and if left untreated, as well as causing great discomfort, can cause anaemia, bone disease and even some forms of cancer. People with insulin dependent diabetes, thyroid problems and ulcerative colitis have an increased chance of developing coeliac disease and in 2004 a study carried out by Bristol University reported that as many as 1 in 100 children may have the condition. Symptoms can include irritability, tiredness, depression, anaemia, diarrhoea, bloating, bone pain, mouth ulcers or itchy skin rash (dermitiis herpetiformis) particularly around the elbows, buttocks or knees and hair loss.
