Why gluten intolerance

Coeliac UK is a UK charity for people with coeliac disease. Its website has useful resources, including information about a gluten-free diet , local groups, volunteering and ongoing campaigns. Page last reviewed: 03 December Next review due: 03 December Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is a dietary protein found in 3 types of cereal: wheat barley rye Gluten is found in any food that contains those cereals, including: pasta cakes breakfast cereals most types of bread certain types of sauces some ready meals In addition, most beers are made from barley.

Symptoms of coeliac disease Eating foods that contain gluten can trigger a range of gut symptoms, such as: diarrhoea , which may smell particularly unpleasant stomach aches bloating and farting flatulence indigestion constipation Coeliac disease can also cause more general symptoms, including: tiredness fatigue as a result of not getting enough nutrients from food malnutrition unintentional weight loss an itchy rash dermatitis herpetiformis problems getting pregnant infertility nerve damage peripheral neuropathy disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech ataxia Children with coeliac disease may not grow at the expected rate and may have delayed puberty.

What causes coeliac disease? Treating coeliac disease There's no cure for coeliac disease, but following a gluten-free diet should help control symptoms and prevent the long-term complications of the condition.

Complications of coeliac disease Complications of coeliac disease only tend to affect people who continue to eat gluten, or those who have not yet been diagnosed with the condition, which can be a common problem in milder cases.

Potential long-term complications include: weakening of the bones osteoporosis iron deficiency anaemia vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia Less common and more serious complications include some types of cancers, such as bowel cancer , and problems affecting pregnancy, such as your baby having a low birth weight.

Find out more about the complications of coeliac disease Who's affected Coeliac disease is a condition that affects at least 1 in every people in the UK.

It can develop at any age, although symptoms are most likely to develop: during early childhood — between 8 and 12 months old, although it may take several years before a correct diagnosis is made in later adulthood — between 40 and 60 years of age People with certain conditions, including type 1 diabetes , autoimmune thyroid disease, Down's syndrome and Turner syndrome , have an increased risk of getting coeliac disease. Diagnosing coeliac disease Routine testing for coeliac disease is not done in England.

First-degree relatives of people with coeliac disease should be tested. The symptoms may include :. See a doctor about any of the above symptoms.

A correct diagnosis is important — many conditions affecting the gut have similar symptoms. Severe abdominal pain can be a symptom of a serious medical issue, and anyone who experiences it should receive immediate medical attention. When a person has a wheat allergy, their body reacts to a protein in wheat, and this protein is not necessarily gluten. A wheat allergy can cause life-threatening symptoms. Anyone with this allergy who ingests wheat requires immediate medical attention.

In severe cases, anaphylaxis may develop. While an allergic reaction requires urgent care, an intolerance is not immediately dangerous. Anyone who believes that they may have either an intolerance or an allergy should consult a doctor.

Learn more about a wheat allergy here. In this article, we describe additional differences between a food allergy and an intolerance. Glutens are proteins that enable wheat and other cereals to absorb water, stick together, and remain viscous and elastic.

They help give bread dough its texture and make it possible for the dough to rise, for example. A person looking to avoid gluten should be sure to check food labels carefully. It may also be a good idea to make soups, sauces, and salad dressings at home. Manufacturers may remove the gluten from wheat flour or use a substitute, such as oat or chickpea flour. Here , learn more about what a gluten free diet includes.

Find out more about alternatives to wheat bread in this article. Many fast foods contain gluten, but some major chains are now offering gluten-free options.

Learn more about gluten-free fast food here. If a person believes that consuming gluten is causing any health issues, they should see a doctor. After asking about symptoms and carrying out a physical exam, the doctor will likely perform laboratory tests to rule out celiac disease and other gastrointestinal conditions. Researchers have yet to find any specific biomarker of a gluten intolerance.

At present, before diagnosing gluten intolerance, the doctor will need to rule out other options. It can be challenging to differentiate between celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but testing for antibodies can help. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Celiac disease Open pop-up dialog box Close. Celiac disease Your small intestine is lined with tiny hairlike projections called villi, which absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the food you eat. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Celiac disease Adult. Mayo Clinic; Ciclitira PJ. Management of celiac disease in adults. Accessed May 4, Celiac disease gluten enteropathy. Merck Manual Professional Version. Gluten free diet: Building the grocery list. American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Morrow ES.

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