What is gluten intolerance and celiac disease?
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are conditions in which the body does not react properly to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important differences between these two conditions.
What is gluten intolerance?
Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity (NCGS), is a condition in which a person experiences symptoms after eating gluten, without having celiac disease or a wheat allergy. Symptoms can range from abdominal pain and bloating to fatigue and headaches. Unlike celiac disease, gluten intolerance does not cause demonstrable damage to the intestines.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. This leads to damage to the intestinal villi, which impairs nutrient absorption. Celiac disease is a chronic condition and, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems such as malnutrition, osteoporosis and an increased risk of other autoimmune diseases.
What is the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease?
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease have similar symptoms but differ in cause and effects:
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the intestinal wall and can be diagnosed with a blood test and an intestinal biopsy.
- Gluten intolerance causes symptoms after eating gluten, but there is no measurable damage to the intestines. There is no specific medical test to diagnose gluten intolerance.
Conclusion
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are both conditions in which gluten causes health problems, but celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that damages the small intestine. People with celiac disease have to eat strictly gluten-free, while people with gluten intolerance can decide for themselves to what extent they avoid gluten. In case of symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. However, you can do a gluten allergy test.
Gluten allergie test
€19.99
