In coeliac disease, dietary gluten causes inflammation of the small intestine, which may affect absorption of important nutrients including iron, folk acid, calcium, and fat soluble vitamins. Studies show coeliac disease to be a common disorder, possibly affecting 1 in 200 of the general population, the majority of patients being diagnosed in adulthood. Many patients have minimal symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently absent Coeliac disease should be considered in a wide range of clinical situations including anaemia or osteoporosis and in patients with a range of associated disorders such as type 1 diabetes. The diagnosis and screening for coeliac disease has been facilitated by testing for endomysial autoantibodies. Treatment consists of permanent withdrawal of gluten from the diet, which results in complete remission.
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