We publish an annual Food and Drink Guide which lists thousands of foods you can eat, and a Gluten-free Checklist which are free to Members. You can order publications from our online shop.

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.

Coeliac disease is known as a 'multi system' disorder' - symptoms can affect any area of the body. Symptoms differ between individuals in terms of type and severity.

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.

The recommendation is to eat some gluten in more than one meal every day for at least six weeks before getting tested for coeliac disease. Find out why you should keep eating gluten throughout the diagnosis process.

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.

Coeliac UK funded the initial project of Professor Bob Anderson which identified the most important gluten peptides causing problems for people with coeliac disease. This research formed the basis of further research and eventually the development of the NexVax2 vaccine. Work in this area is ongoing, the availability of a vaccine is still many years away whilst the essential process of testing for safety, dosage, effectiveness and possible side effects are determined.

Coeliac UK has also funded research which provides a greater understanding of the disease process in coeliac disease and research which can potentially identify new targets for treatment or a cure. 

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.

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.