I’m trying to explain the difference between coeliac disease and wheat intolerance to a coworker and while I understand the complexities of coeliac disease and how it can effect different people to different levels, I struggled when he asked me to explain the key differences between the disorder and an allergy.
In: Biology
There are 3 possibilities: celiac disease, allergy to wheat, or sensitivity to gluten.
Celiac disease requires NO gluten (from wheat or other sources). Eating any amount of gluten will make the person sick and will damage their small intestine.
A wheat allergy means a person can’t eat wheat (but may be able to eat other foods with gluten). Eating wheat may result in a life-threatening reaction (just like a peanut or shellfish allergy).
Being sensitive to gluten means that a person may be able to eat some gluten but if they eat too much, they will feel sick. They aren’t doing any permanent damage to their inner organs, though.
Latest Answers