What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease, also known gluten-sensitive enteropathy, non-tropical sprue, coeliac sprue, and gluten intolerant enteropathy, is a chronic digestive disorder found in individuals who experience a toxic immune response when they ingest gluten.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is a related skin condition experienced by some coeliac sufferers. There is no cure for coeliac disease. The only known treatment is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. That said, recent research in Australia is looking towards a vaccination - you can find more information on the Australian Coeliac Society website (www.coeliac.org.au).

Ingesting gluten affects the function of the small intestine of the coeliac sufferer, by damaging and/or destroying the absorptive villi. The body then becomes unable to properly absorb nutrients, resulting in potentially life-threatening nutritional deficiencies and even intestinal lymphoma.