Coeliac disease (Celiac disease in American English) is an autoimmune disorder in people when the indigestion of gluten leads to problems in the body. If someone with coeliac disease eats something with gluten (for example, wheat, rye, barley), cells inside the body attack the lining of the intestine. This means that they cannot digest food properly, making them unable to have enough energy, vitamins, or minerals. Children may be unable to grow taller or gain weight properly. People with coeliac disease often lose weight. They are also often tired.
Coeliac disease
Name origin
Celiac disease is the German equivalent of the Neo-Latin technical term coeliacia. The word derives from the Latin adjective coeliacus, with the basic meaning 'concerning the abdomen', but which is also translated in a further meaning as 'abdominal disease' (purely Latin ventriculosus). The Latin coeliacus in turn goes back to the Greek adjective κοιλιακός koiliakós, German 'suffering from digestion', which derives from κοιλία koilía, German 'abdominal cavity', 'belly', 'abdomen'.
Allergens
The allergens are the gliadins (the alcohol-soluble fraction of gluten) and glutenins. Depending on the type of cereal, these allergens have a different composition due to the evolution of cereals.
- Wheat, spelt (incl. green spelt), khorasan, durum: α-/β/ω-gliadin and glutenins, C-C allergen (baker's asthma), CBP2
- Barley: Hordenine amylase inhibitors IAM1 and CMb (both baker's asthma)
- Oats: Avenin A, E and F
- Rye: Secalinin
No allergens, because gluten-free, are the cereals
All pseudocereals are also gluten-free:
As different types of grain are often processed in the same company, cross-contamination cannot be ruled out. Gluten-free goods are indicated, for example, by the gf logo (crossed-out ear of corn), otherwise usually by the warning "may contain traces of gluten" (see section on EU Regulation).
Questions and Answers
Q: What is Coeliac disease?
A: Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder in people when the indigestion of gluten leads to problems in the body.
Q: What happens if someone with coeliac disease eats something with gluten?
A: If someone with coeliac disease eats something with gluten (for example, wheat, rye, barley), cells inside the body attack the lining of the intestine.
Q: How does this affect digestion?
A: This means that they cannot digest food properly, making them unable to have enough energy, vitamins, or minerals.
Q: What are some common symptoms for children?
A: Children may be unable to grow taller or gain weight properly and often lose weight. They are also often tired.
Q: Is there a cure for Coeliac Disease?
A: No, there is currently no cure for Coeliac Disease but it can be managed by following a strict gluten-free diet.
Q: Are there any other treatments available?
A: Yes, medications such as probiotics and vitamin supplements may help manage symptoms associated with Coeliac Disease.