Member login 
Coeliac New Zealand Logo

Associated Conditions

Most Common Associated Conditions

blank

There are a number of conditions associated with coeliac disease. Many people with coeliac disease also suffer from other autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions, dermatitis herpetiformis or malnutrition.

However, people who suffer with these conditions will be relieved to know that just like coeliac disease, they can hope to see a significant improvement in their symptoms after following a gluten free diet for some time. While research is still being conducted on many of the conditions, here is what we do now about them:

SYMPTOMS OF COELIAC DISEASE

blank
blank
blank

Malnutrition

blank
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Malabsorption may lead to malnutrition and/or a number of associated conditions. These can include alopecia, dental enamel defects, iron deficiency, lethargy, mouth ulcers, osteoporosis and infertility. Some of these conditions (like dental enamel defects), may already be established in people diagnosed with coeliac disease and can be difficult to remedy.  
However, once coeliac disease is diagnosed (NB: it is very important you receive a diagnosis prior to starting a gluten free diet), consuming a gluten free diet will improve the majority of these associated problems. . It will also minimize the risk of developing new problems related to malabsorption, because as the gut heals, absorption of nutrients increases.

Autoimmune Conditions

blank
As it is likely there is a common gene link, people with coeliac disease are genetically predisposed to developing other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes. Though further research needs to be undertaken, there is also a correlation with other autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis.
blank

Become a Member

blank
  • Get advice, support, recipes and more throughout your coeliac journey
  • Become part of a lively and supportive community
  • Receive updates from medical professionals, manufacturers, and researchers
  • Gain access to our member only resources, support groups, kids’ clubs, special offers, and the Coeliac Link magazine
Member Plans

Gastrointestinal Conditions

blank
Gastrointestinal conditions associated with coelaic disease can include:
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Pernicious anaemia (inability to absorb B12)
  • Pancreatic insufficiency (inability to properly digest food)
  • Microscopic colitis (watery diarrhoea)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Gastrointestinal cancers

Long term undiagnosed coeliac disease has a small associated risk of developing certain kinds of rare gut cancers. However, once you have been following a gluten free diet for some time there is no increased risk above that of the general population.

blank

"Together, we are GF for life"

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

Get Involved

blank

Support your charity – the only not-for-profit supporting Kiwis with coeliac disease. Become part of Coeliac New Zealand now.

Volunteer

blank

We're recruiting for volunteers - interested? Share your knowledge and experience with others living with the disease. Find out how.

Get in touch

Donate

Help us reach more people who are suffering from coeliac disease. Contribute to the greater good of your community.

Make a donation

Learning Resources

blank

Access the online course, approved by the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Munich, Germany.

Understand coeliac disease

TREATMENT

blank

Coeliac disease is treated by a life-long gluten free diet. By specifically removing the cause of the disease, this treatment allows all abnormalities to recover completely. As long as the diet is adhered to strictly, patients can recover.

An initial few weeks on both a gluten/lactose free diet will allow the bowel lining to replace its 'lactase' enzyme quantities, which digest lactose sugar prior to absorption. This may take longer for some individuals than others.

blank

GET
DIAGNOSED

blank

Think you may be Coeliac. Find out what you need to do here

VIEW MORE
blank

ONLINE ASSESSMENT

blank

Not sure? Take our free and confidential self-assessment

VIEW MORE

About Coeliac New Zealand

blank

Your partner in
healthy living

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

LATEST NEWS

blank
28/02/2024
Welcome to 2024 blank

I am writing to welcome you back to Coeliac New Zealand for 2024 and hope that the year has started well for you. I hope that you too have been enjoying some of this glorious summer we have been experiencing, making the most of the long days and balmy nights to enjoy good food with […]

Read More
26/02/2024
Celebrating International Women’s Day blank

March 8 is International Women’s Day.  This global celebration is over a century old, having first been held in 1911.  The theme for 2024 is Inspire Inclusion – when we inspire others and value women’s inclusion, we build a better world. Through inspiring inclusivity for women, we can help grow a sense of belonging, self-esteem, […]

Read More
30/01/2024
Advice for eating out to celebrate Chinese New Year  blank

The Chinese New Year is celebrated over 15 days, the festival stretches from the new moon on New Year’s Day (starting on the 10th of February 2024) until the full moon on the Lantern Festival. There are lots of Chinese New Year events happening across New Zealand to usher in the Year of the Dragon […]

Read More
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram