What happens if I have untreated celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks gluten, leading to damage to the small intestine. But what happens if celiac disease goes untreated?

When a person with celiac disease continues to eat gluten, the intestinal lining is permanently damaged. This can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, fertility problems and an increased risk of other autoimmune diseases. In addition, the risk of certain cancers increases.

Intestinal damage and poor nutrient absorption

The small intestine plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption. In untreated celiac disease, the intestinal lining becomes inflamed, causing intestinal villi to break down and nutrients to be absorbed less well. This can lead to:

• Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Bloating and abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe vitamin and mineral deficiencies

This poor absorption often causes deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin D, which can lead to anaemia, osteoporosis and fatigue.

Osteoporosis and osteoporosis of bones

One of the biggest risks of untreated celiac disease is osteoporosis. A lack of calcium and vitamin D weakens bones, which can lead to osteoporosis. This increases the risk of bone fractures and joint pain. Research shows that people with untreated celiac disease have a significantly higher risk of bone density loss than those without celiac disease.

Fertility problems and complications in pregnancy

Untreated celiac disease can cause fertility problems in both men and women. Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as folic acid can cause menstrual disorders, miscarriages and premature births in women. In men, deficiency of zinc and other minerals can reduce sperm quality.

Women with untreated celiac disease have an increased risk of:

• Miscarriages and premature births
• Low baby’s birth weight
• Problems with placental development

Increased risk of autoimmune diseases

People with celiac disease are more likely to have other autoimmune diseases. This is because the immune system is continuously activated and more likely to attack other healthy cells as well. Common conditions associated with untreated celiac disease are:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune liver diseases

The longer celiac disease goes untreated, the greater the risk of developing another autoimmune disease.

Neurological and psychological complaints

Besides physical consequences, untreated celiac disease can also cause neurological and psychological symptoms. This is due to inflammation and nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and magnesium.

Common complaints are:

• Concentration problems and memory loss
• Depressed feelings and mood swings
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness in hands and feet)
• Migraines and headaches

Some people develop ataxia, a condition in which the nervous system is affected and coordination problems occur.

Increased risk of cancer

Long-term inflammation in the gut can increase the risk of certain cancers. Research shows that untreated celiac disease can increase the risk of colon cancer and lymphoma. In particular, people who continue to eat gluten despite a celiac diagnosis are at increased risk.

When to seek medical help?

If you suspect you have celiac disease, it is important to get a gluten allergy test and seek medical attention. Long-term untreated celiac disease can cause irreversible damage to the body. A positive test result requires you to follow a gluten-free diet and receive further medical attention.