As many as 1 in 75 affected by Coeliac disease

Coeliac disease affects as many as 1 in 75 people in Ireland and being a genetic condition, the Coeliac Association of Ireland estimate that there is a one in ten chance of someone close to an affected family member also being afflicted.

While often termed as an allergy to wheat, that definition is not quite accurate. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by an abnormal reaction to gluten, and for that reason barley, rye, cous cous and any grain that contains the protein, need to be avoided. Furthermore, the Coeliac Association of Ireland estimate that there are 400,000 people in Ireland with some form of gluten intolerance.

Symptoms are wide and varied, and are not always associated with the gut or tummy. Symptoms can include mouth ulcers, vitamin deficiency, poor tooth enamel, and in women can cause irregular or skipped periods. A blood test is possible for the disease, as is a biopsy with a camera. The disease can develop at any age and is generally understood to be on the rise worldwide, with no definite reason yet identified.

Special gluten-free foods like bread, pasta, flour and cakes or biscuits are typically much more expensive than the comparative ‘normal’ product, and with a diagnosis letter from their doctor victims of the disease can claim tax back from Revenue for expenditure on the products.

The Coeliac Association of Ireland offer a service to food businesses to help guide them in catering for their gluten-intolerant customers.

Last week was Coeliac Awareness Week - for more information, visit coeliac.ie.