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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Are the products listed in the vegetarian chapter suitable for a vegan diet?
The Vegetarian Chapter contains gluten free foods that are suitable for a vegetarian diet. Some products may also be suitable for a vegan diet, please refer to the manufacturer.
What are the symptoms in babies?
In babies, symptoms may develop after weaning onto cereals that contain gluten.
Symptoms in babies include:
- bloated tummy
- irritability
- diarrhoea and other gut symptoms
- faltering growth or a change in growth pattern
Find out more about coeliac disease in children here or you can call our helpline and speak to one of our dietitians.
Why do I have to be eating gluten to be tested?
The blood tests look for antibodies that your body produces when you eat gluten so if you are not eating gluten you will not be producing antibodies and so the result will come back negative.
It is recommended that you eat some gluten in more than one meal every day for at least six weeks before testing.
Is coeliac disease the same as an allergy to wheat?
Coeliac disease is not the same as an allergy to wheat. Coeliac disease is a well defined, serious illness where the body’s immune system attacks itself when gluten is eaten. This causes damage to the lining of the gut and means that the body cannot properly absorb nutrients from food.
Coeliac disease is not a food allergy or intolerance, it is an autoimmune disease.
Wheat allergy is a reaction to proteins found in wheat, triggered by the immune system and usually occurs within seconds or minutes of eating.
What is osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition where the body's bones become brittle and are more likely to break. People with coeliac disease may have low bone mineral density (BMD), which is what is used to diagnose osteoporosis.
Where does the money come from to fund research?
The money comes from membership fees, donations, legacies or external grants we have applied for.
How much does Coeliac UK spend on funding research?
Since 2005 we have committed around £3.5M to research. The frequency of research calls and the amounts available for each one vary depending on donations, receipt of legacies and external grants.
Do the new rules apply to deli counters in supermarkets?
Yes. Food businesses selling foods that are loose, i.e. not wrapped, must provide allergen information. This applies to deli counters and other environments like butchers, fishmongers and salad bars.
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.