Gluten Intolerance

Gluten Intolerance is an adverse reaction to the consumption of gluten. You must be aware that gluten intolerance is often used interchangeably with coeliac disease. They are sometimes described as the same condition but there have been suggestions that there are slight differences between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease.

Gluten Intolerance or gluten sensitivity can encompass a number of different conditions, including; coeliac disease. Those who are gluten intolerant can usually then be split into non-coeliac and coeliac categories; coeliac being the most severe form.

It is important to distinguish between the different conditions associated with gluten intolerance:

• Gluten Intolerance – an adverse reaction to the consumption of gluten. It is not thought to be immune system related.
• Coeliac Disease – an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune response occurs when gluten reaches your gut. Your own immune system starts to attack your own intestinal lining because of the gluten present.
• Wheat allergy – a food allergy to gluten.

What is gluten?

Grain such as wheat, barley and rye all contain a large proportion of gluten. Gluten is the major protein in grains such as these. Although, it is now also widely seen in processed food products, to enhance flavour.

As you would have thought, gluten is a major component of breakfast cereals. Something you may not have known is that it can also been found in soups, sauces coffees and dairy products.

What causes Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is due to an adverse reaction to the gluten by the body. Unpleasant symptoms and side effects develop - most commonly; nausea and flatulence.

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