As Coeliac Awareness Month approaches in May, Coeliac UK is drawing attention to the often-overlooked symptoms of coeliac disease, a serious autoimmune condition affecting one in 100 people in the UK. Despite this prevalence, only 36 per cent are currently diagnosed, leaving an estimated 500,000 individuals with unexplained symptoms.
Alice Andrews, health policy lead at Coeliac UK, emphasises that coeliac disease is not an allergy or intolerance but an autoimmune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine lining, impairing nutrient absorption. She warns that even small amounts of gluten can be harmful.
While common digestive issues like diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, and stomach pain are well known, Ms Andrews highlights six subtler signs that often go unnoticed. These include persistent mouth ulcers, sudden weight loss, ongoing tiredness, vitamin deficiencies (especially iron and B12), numbness and tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy), and coordination problems (ataxia).
Risk factors include having a first-degree relative with coeliac disease (increasing risk to one in ten) or having another autoimmune condition like autoimmune thyroid disease. Diagnosis involves a GP blood test, followed by a specialist referral for endoscopy or further blood tests.
The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which is a medical necessity, not a lifestyle choice. Undiagnosed coeliac disease can lead to complications such as osteoporosis, anaemia, and rarely small bowel lymphoma. Coeliac UK urges anyone with persistent or recurring symptoms to consult their GP or use the charity's online symptom checker.
