 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is coeliac disease?
- Symptoms of coeliac disease
- Causes of coeliac disease
- Prevention of coeliac disease
- Risk factors for coeliac disease
- Complications of coeliac disease
- When to see a doctor about coeliac disease
- Diagnosis of coeliac disease
- Conventional treatment of coeliac disease
- Alternative/complementary treatment of coeliac disease
- Living with coeliac disease
- Caring for someone with coeliac disease
Complications of coeliac disease
There are a number of complications associated with coeliac disease, ranging from serious to potentially life threatening:
- Anaemia - very severe cases of coeliac disease, especially in those people whose condition has been left untreated for a long time can cause iron-deficiency anaemia due to the malabsorption of iron from food in the diet. This is due to the inability of the intestines, which are very damaged and inflamed (especially the villi, which may be completely flattened and unable to absorb the iron) and this causes problems in the intestine's ability to absorb the iron. Another cause of anaemia is due to vitamin B12 deficiency
- Fertility problems - women who have untreated coeliac disease have a much higher risk for fertility problems or miscarriage. Once a gluten-free diet is used to manage symptoms, this greatly increases fertility and reduces incidence of miscarriage in women with coeliac disease. Men who have untreated coeliac disease have a much higher risk for fertility problems with a reduction in sperm count or viable sperm. Once they start a gluten-free diet, this can be reversed
- Lymphoma - a very serious complication of coeliac disease is the higher risk of developing B-and T-cell lymphoma anywhere in the body and this could be due to the malfunctioning of the immune system, which is being triggered to respond to gluten as if it is a toxic substance, so it may start to be unable to recognise real threats (such as changes to DNA which causes cancer)
Advertisement
- Neuropathy - some people with coeliac disease can experience neurological symptoms in the peripheral limbs (arms, legs) which can cause them to lose their balance and even have pins and needles symptoms. most people's symptoms can be improved with vitamin B12, as well as a general multivitamin, but in some cases, this neuropathy can be due to gluten ataxia which is serious problem with the brain and spinal cord that is thought to be caused by damage from the gluten protein and no dietary supplementation is known to help
- Nutrient deficiencies - iron is not the only nutrient which may be in short supply due to the intestine's inability to absorb it, there are a number of other nutrients which are not being properly absorbed and this could cause a number of nutritional deficiencies and health conditions associated with them. The fat soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K) may not be getting absorbed properly due to the inability of the intestines to absorb fats properly, which are necessary for the absorption of these vitamins. In addition to this, a number of other vitamins and minerals may not be well absorbed either. The malabsorption of these vitamins and minerals can cause a range of adverse health effects
- Osteopaenic bone disease - in very severe cases of coeliac disease or in severe undiagnosed forms of this condition, calcium may not be getting absorbed properly and this could increase risk for bones becoming weaker, which ultimately can cause osteoporosis if the deficiency in calcium continues long term
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 5: risk factors 7: when to see a doctor > Last reviewed: 15 August 2008 || Last updated: 26 February 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
