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.

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

• Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
• Anaemia – the anaemia will either not respond to treatment or will recur after treatment until the correct diagnosis is made and a gluten free diet is begun
• 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. If coeliac disease is suspected, a gluten free diet should not be started, as it will interfere with establishing the correct diagnosis and may delay the diagnosis of another condition with similar symptoms. 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).The biopsy test should always be performed before starting a gluten free diet. 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.

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 resolve. 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.

Reprinted with the permission of the Australian Coeliac Society

How can Orgran Products assist?

Orgran produce over 70 quality gluten free products for enjoyment any time of the day that are suitable for people who are diagnosed with ceoliac disease. Try Orgran’s muesli, porridge or pancake mix varieties for breakfast. Coeliacs can still even enjoy a sandwich with Orgran’s range of gluten free bread mix varieties for lunch or take the pleasure in enjoying a bowl of pasta the whole family can enjoy with Orgran’s vast rage of al dente pasta varieties. Finish with Orgran’s cake mix varieties for desert!

For more details contact the Coeliac Society within your state:

Coeliac Society Vic
11 Barlyn Rd
Mt Waverley 3149
Ph. 03 9808 5566
Website: www.vic.coeliac.org.au

Coeliac Society NSW
Suite 1, 41-45 Pacific Highway
Waitara 2077
Ph. 02 9487 5088
Website: www.nsw.coeliac.org.au

Coeliac Society QLD
Level 1, Local Government House
25 Evelyn St
Newstead 4006
Ph: 07 3854 0123
Website: www.qld.coeliac.org.au

Coeliac Society SA
Unit 5, 88 Glynburn Rd
Herctorville 5073
South Australia
Ph: 08 8365 1488
Website: www.sa.coeliac.org.au

Coeliac Society WA
931 Albany highway
East Victoria park 6101
Ph: 08 9470 4122
Website: www.wa.coeliac.org.au

Coeliac Society TA
PO BOX 159
Launceston, 7250
Ph:03 6427 2844
Website: www.tas.coeliac.org.au