Coeliac disease is not an allergy or food intolerance. It’s an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.
In people with coeliac disease this immune reaction is triggered by gluten – a type of protein found in wheat, rye and barley and ingredients derived from these cereals. People with coeliac disease need to avoid these foods.
Some people with coeliac disease may also be sensitive to oats and need to also avoid them.
In coeliac disease, eating gluten causes the lining of the gut to become damaged and may affect other parts of the body. Tiny, finger-like projections called ‘villi’ become inflamed and then flattened, leaving less surface area to absorb nutritients from food and drink.
People with undiagnosed coeliac disease can, as a result, have a wide range of symptoms.
Reviewed March 2010
Next review September 2011