Coeliac disease

An autoimmune disease triggered by the ingestion of gluten (proteins from wheat, barley, rye, spelt) in genetically predisposed individuals (HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 genes). Gluten causes an immune reaction that destroys the intestinal villi, leading to generalised malabsorption of nutrients. Affects approximately 1% of the global population. The only treatment is total and permanent gluten exclusion. Not to be confused with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), which does not involve intestinal destruction but causes similar symptoms.