What is Coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is one of the most under-diagnosed, yet most common chronic diseases. Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people in Australia but 4 out of 5 people are not yet diagnosed.

Coeliac disease (pronounced seel-ee-ak) is a genetic auto-immune disease. Auto-immune means the body mistakenly produces antibodies that damage its own tissues. It is a permanent intestinal intolerance to dietary gluten. A number of serious health consequences can result if the condition is not diagnosed and treated properly.

In those with untreated coeliac disease the mucosa (lining) of the small bowel (intestine) is damaged: The tiny, finger-like projections which line the bowel (villi) become inflamed and flattened (villous atrophy). Healthy villi are responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Villous atrophy diminishes the large surface area created by the villi. This can lead to gastrointestinal and malabsorptive symptoms. Long term consequences of untreated coeliac disease can include osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, depression and cancer.

Coeliac disease affects people of all ages and can develop at any time in life.

In December 2004, the mandatory declaration of allergens food standard came into effect. This means that food companies must declare the source any ingredient derived from wheat, rye, barley or oats. Therefore, if the source of any starch, thickener, maltodextrin, etc is a gluten containing grain, the source must be declared. This simplifies the identification of gluten containing ingredients in foods.

Are you one of the affected people?

The Coeliac Society provides information and support regarding the gluten free diet, cooking gluten-free, labelling of gluten free foods, where to buy gluten-free products, places to eat, information on overseas travel, airline meals and educational material for schools, universities and colleges.