Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is a genetically inherited life-long condition that affects the lining of the small bowel.  If you or your partner has coeliac disease there is approximately a one in ten chance that any one of your children will have the condition.

The main symptoms of coeliac disease may include:

  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhoea
  • Anaemia (due to iron malabsorption)
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Abdominal discomfort (and rumbling)
  • Recurrent mouth ulcers
  • Sore tongue
  • Bone pain (due to calcium malabsorption)

Not everyone has every symptom! The number of symptoms and the severity vary greatly between people. Some people when diagnosed may have only mild symptoms or none at all. 

Many of the symptoms can be confused as being symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and it is important to be tested for Coeliac Disease if you, or your doctor, think you may have IBS.

For more information please download the documents below.

Coeliac Disease An Introduction to a Gluten Free Diet for Coeliac Disease

Calcium Content of Gluten-free Foods

Improving your iron intake on a Gluten-free diet

Food Labelling

Coeliac Disease- Eating out on a gluten-free diet