Frequently Asked Questions Find everything you need to know about coeliac disease, the gluten free diet and the work we do.
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Does coeliac disease only affect Europeans?
Coeliac disease affects all ethnic groups and is common in Europe and North America, as well as in southern Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and South America.
Can you ‘grow out’ of coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition and the gluten free diet is the only treatment for it. If gluten is introduced back into the diet at a later date, the immune system will react and the gut lining will become damaged again.
Once you develop coeliac disease, you must avoid gluten for the rest of your life.
Surely a breadcrumb wouldn’t hurt someone with coeliac disease?
Even very small amounts of gluten can be damaging to people with coeliac disease. Therefore, taking sensible steps to avoid cross contamination with gluten is important.
Is there any advice for people with coeliac disease who are pregnant?
Pregnancy holds no greater risks for women diagnosed with coeliac disease than those without, but it is important you follow a strict gluten free diet and make sure you get a good intake of calcium and iron.
It is also important that people with coeliac disease are followed up regularly, particularly at times of stress, such as pregnancy.
What’s the difference between a gift and a donation?
Giving a donation to Coeliac UK covers both one off donations and regular amounts you decide to contribute. A gift is an amount of money you donate to us in place of receiving a gift for events such as birthdays, weddings or anniversaries and the funds will be made up of donations from your friends or family. To read more about these types of donations, take a look at our pages on gifts.
What does 'gluten-free' really mean?
The term 'gluten-free' implies no gluten, but in practice it is not possible to test for a zero level of gluten. Research has shown that people with coeliac disease are able to safely tolerate a very small amount of gluten. As a result low levels of gluten are allowed in products that are labelled gluten-free. When you see the term gluten-free this means that the food contains no more than 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten.
I have just been diagnosed with coeliac disease, how can I join Coeliac UK?
Coeliac UK gives you up to date information and support about your diet and health and as a Member, you will also have access to a range of exclusive services. You can join online or contact our Membership Team on 0333 332 2033 or generalenquiries@coeliac.org.uk.
On receipt of your application we will send out your Welcome Pack which includes Your Gluten Free Life booklet, a Gluten Free Checklist, offers and product information and your Food and Drink Guide.
I have coeliac disease, when should I wean my baby?
Babies who have an increased risk of coeliac disease should be weaned in the same way as any other child.
Find out more about feeding your baby here.
Are there any incentives for pharmacists taking part in the Community pharmacy supply of gluten-free foods scheme?
Introducing a pharmacy led supply scheme allows better stock control of gluten-free foods for pharmacists as well as providing a more flexible service to improve the patient experience.
Pharmacists and GP dispensaries are paid a service charge at six monthly intervals for each patient who accesses the service. When the scheme in Northamptonshire was introduced it was run as an Enhanced Service with funding for this element of the contract coming from Primary Care Contracting budgets.