What is a gulten allergy?

Gluten allergy or celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine. This can cause damage to the villi, which are small finger-like projections that line the small intestine and help absorb nutrients. Damage to the villi can lead to malabsorption, which is the inability to absorb nutrients from food.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include:

- Digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, constipation, gas, and bloating

- Abdominal pain

- Weight loss

- Fatigue

- Anaemia

- Skin rashes

- Infertility

- Tooth enamel defects

- Neurological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and seizures

Celiac disease is often diagnosed with a blood test and a biopsy of the small intestine. Treatment for celiac disease involves following a gluten-free diet.