Gluten Intolerance is an intestinal disorder which results in the inflammation of the upper small intestine. This is caused due to the intolerance of the body to a protein called Gluten. This can affect all people but is widely found among individuals with Northern European descent. Gluten Intolerance is also referred to as Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy, Celiac Sprue and Nontropical Sprue.

Gluten Intolerance causes mal-absorption of vital nutrients due to the abnormal functioning of the small intestine, and can result in various health problems. These vital nutrients are passed out in excess through stools. Here are some diseases caused by Gluten Intolerance:

• Malnutrition. Since the small intestine has lesser capacity to absorb the important Vitamins and minerals, people can become deficient in various nutrients like folate, Vitamins D, B12, E and K and A. This may lead to anaemia, weight loss and other deficiency related problems.

• Lymphoma. This is a type of cancer which occurs in the lymph nodes and can also develop in the intestine.

• Adenocarcinoma. This is another type of cancer that is seen in the cell linings of some of the internal organs in the body.

• Solid tumours. This is mainly observed in the small intestine and also the oesophagus.

• Osteoporosis. This is caused due to mal-absorption of calcium and Vitamin D and results in brittle bones. Other abnormalities include softening and thinning of bones which leads to fractures.

• Osteomalacia. Minerals disorder mainly prevalent in children.

• Kidney stones. This is caused due to mal-absorption of calcium.

• Pregnancy complications. If women are not treated for this disorder, it can result in various complications like premature delivery, congenital malformation or miscarriage, birth defects and defects in the neural tube of the newborn baby.

• Abnormal growth in children. At a young age, Gluten Intolerance can result in abnormal growth of children due to mal nourishment of adequate nutrients.

• Brain abnormalities. If folic acid absorption is inadequate, calcium deposits start forming in the brain and this result in nerve damage and also cause seizures.

• Lactose indigestion. The body loses tolerance to lactose or milk sugar and results in diarrhoea or abdominal pain.

• Tuberculosis. Patients are at increased risk to contract serious infections due to Gluten Intolerance caused due to mal absorption of Vitamin D.

• Dermatitis herpetiformis. A skin disorder which causes severe itching and blistering especially on the buttocks, elbows and knees.

• Thyroid disorder. The thyroid gland does not function properly and the secretions are abnormal resulting in some disorders of those key functions performed by the gland.

• Diabetes (Type I). This is caused when body cannot produce sufficient amount of insulin.

• Liver disease. Disorders related to metabolism function of liver.

• Sjogren's syndrome. Disorder which results in destroying of glands that produce saliva and tears.

• Rheumatoid arthritis. Affects joints and tissues.

• Irritable bowel syndrome. Large intestine disorder resulting in diarrhea or constipation, cramping, bloating and abdominal pain.

• Polyarteritis nodosa. Disorder found in medium or small sized arteries resulting in swelling.

• Scleroderma. Results in thickening or swelling of skin.

Jonathan Pitts

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