Coeliac Disease

“Orgran produce over 80 quality gluten free products for enjoyment any time of the day and are suitable for people who are diagnosed with coeliac disease”

What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease (pronounced Seel-ee-ak), is a medical condition and is a permanent intestinal intolerance to dietary gluten (the protein portion of wheat, rye, barley, triticale and possibly oats). In untreated coeliac disease the lining of the small bowel (intestine) is damaged. This causes a flattening of the tiny, finger-like projections, called villi, which line the inside of the bowel. The function of the cells on normal villi is to break down and absorb nutrients in food. In untreated coeliac disease, the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and gives a characteristic flat appearance. The surface area, which enables the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food, is seriously depleted. This leads to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and sometimes proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Around 10% of all first degree relatives (parents, brothers, sisters or children) of a person with coeliac disease will also have the disease.

Coeliac disease is more common than previously thought. There are no current statistics in Australia but it is estimated to be between 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 (this would include undiagnosed cases). Coeliac disease is predominantly a disease of Caucasians. In the past, coeliac disease was regarded as only a childhood condition, which produced symptoms in very young children when gluten was introduced to their diet. It is now known that it can affect a person at any age from infancy to senior years. Many have few or no problems during childhood but develop symptoms only as adults. In addition, the symptoms of coeliac disease can be minor or atypical and can even be clinically silent.

Symptoms

Listed below are some of the symptoms, which may occur singularly or in combination:

Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
Anaemia – that does not respond to treatment or recurs after treatment until the correct diagnosis is made and a gluten free diet is followed
Flatulence and abdominal distention,
Diarrhoea – this may begin at any age and is often present for years prior to diagnosis
Constipation – some are likely to experience constipation rather than diarrhoea
Cramping and bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss – although many do not lose weight and some can even put on weight

Since other conditions can closely mimic coeliac disease, the correct diagnosis can only be made by showing that the bowel lining is definitely damaged. This is done via a biopsy of the small intestine. A biopsy test should always be performed before starting a gluten free diet. Trialing of a gluten free diet does not provide a diagnosis of coeliac disease and subsequent investigations whilst on a gluten free diet will render false negatives. This includes the serological testing (blood tests). Prior to diagnosis, a gluten free diet may delay the diagnosis of another condition with similar symptoms. It is important to discuss the possibility of coeliac disease with a doctor, if anyone has a close relative with the condition or if they have been treated for anaemia on previous occasions.

Treatment

People with coeliac disease remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life, so, in this sense, they are never cured — even if symptoms disappear, damage to the small bowel can still be taking place, if gluten is being ingested. However after the removal of gluten from the diet, a reversal of the abnormalities of the lining of the bowel occurs and the problem of deficiencies eventually resolve. This usually takes a few months but in some cases can take up to a couple of years. Relapse occurs if gluten is reintroduced. Older patients often take longer to recover however people with coeliac disease should remain otherwise healthy as long as they adhere to the diet.

How can Orgran Products assist?

Orgran produce a comprehensive range of gluten free products. The products can be enjoyed any time of the day and are suitable for people who are diagnosed with coeliac disease. Try Orgran’s Buckwheat pancake mix or Cereals for breakfast. Coeliacs can still even enjoy a sandwich with Orgran’s range of Gluten Free Bread Mix varieties or take pleasure in enjoying a bowl of pasta with the whole family using any one of Orgran’s vast range of al dente pasta varieties. Finish with Orgran’s cake mix varieties for dessert!

For more details contact the Coeliac Society of Australia or the Coeliac Society in your country:

Coeliac Society of Australia
Suite 1, 41-45 Pacific Highway
Waitara 2077
Ph. 02 9487 5088
Website: www.coeliacsociety.com.au

This information was provided for general use only. Please seek medical advice from a GP or health professional before considering undertaking any diet.