One of the main complications for people with coeliac disease is osteoporosis. This is due to chronic malabsorption of calcium, and the risk is increased by late diagnosis.
Studies have shown that more than 75% of untreated adults with CD suffer from osteopenia or osteoporosis. Secondary lactose intolerance is common in those undiagnosed with CD due to gut inflammation.
The incidence of certain types of cancer is increased among patients with CD. These include non-Hodgkin lymphoma at any site, enteropathy associated T-Cell lymphoma (a rare high-grade T-Cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the small intestine) small intestine adenocarcinoma and oesophageal and oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma. The risk of malignancy is reduced back to normal after 3-5 years of gluten-free diet. Type-1 diabetes occurs in about 5% of CD patients.
Please note:
The manufacturers of the Biocard Celiac Test have advised us that the test is not suitable for children younger than 5 years of age.
