Physical effects
So, does having coeliac disease affect a
person’s energy levels, or how they work out
with their personal trainer or on their own?
It is common for people newly diagnosed
with coeliac disease to suffer from
malabsorption, osteoporosis or osteopenia,
peripheral
neuropathy,
ataxia,
iron
deficiency anaemia or nutritional deficiency
– so these are things to keep in mind when
designing an exercise program. Once the
gluten free diet is established and the body
has a chance to heal, there should be no
ongoing nutritional issues that will impact
exercise performance.
When a person with coeliac disease
accidentally consumes gluten, a variety of
symptoms is possible – from a mild headache
in some, to symptoms like those of acute
food poisoning in others. If this occurs, the
best approach is to rest, rehydrate and seek
medical support from a pharmacist or GP if
necessary.
Treat coeliac disease seriously
Coeliac disease is a serious medical illness,
not a dietary fad. Untreated, coeliac disease
can cause chronic ill health and increase
the risk of developing other autoimmune
diseases, osteoporosis, fertility problems
and cancer.
Coeliac Australia’s current awareness
campaign aims to increase the diagnosis
rate of coeliac disease. It highlights the
range of possible symptoms beyond the
typical ‘gut’ issues and encourages those at
risk of coeliac disease to take a quick online
self-assessment at coeliac.org.au/assess
If risk factors for coeliac disease are
identified, clients can download a letter
to take to their GP with details of their
assessment results and links to Coeliac
Australia’s resources.
Any symptoms should be thoroughly
investigated before any dietary change
to ensure a correct and timely diagnosis. A gluten free diet should
never be trialled or started prior to screening for coeliac disease as
the accuracy of testing relies on the consumption of gluten. More
information can be found at coeliac.org.au/diagnosis
Additional support
Coeliac Australia is the leading provider of evidence-backed information
on coeliac disease and the gluten free diet. Coeliac Australia offers
professional and patient membership which provides a range of tools
and resources to help individuals best adhere to a gluten free diet.
Clients can find out more at coeliac.org.au/join-now
Penny Dellsperger
An Accredited Practising Dietitian specialising in coeliac
disease, Penny is Coeliac Australia’s Health Advocacy
Officer and has been with the organisation for over 14
years. She is involved with food regulation and resource
development, and provides an advisory service to assist
members, the food industry and health professionals.
Coeliac Awareness Week (13-20 March 2020) & Gluten Free Expos
‘It’s 2020, and still only 20% diagnosed – it’s time to get serious about coeliac disease’ is the
message of this year’s Coeliac Awareness Week. In 2020, 80% of those affected by coeliac
disease live with their symptoms undiagnosed. Coeliac Australia urges those who think they
may be at risk to complete an online risk assessment at coeliac.org.au/assess
Coeliac Australia run their annual Gluten Free Expos throughout the year in Perth, Melbourne,
Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide (2021). Bringing together the brands and companies pioneering
gluten free alternatives, the Expo offers an opportunity to experience everything new in the
world of gluten free foods. With the first Expo kicking off in Perth this April, check out when the
Gluten Free Expo is coming to you at glutenfreeexpo.com.au
NETWORK AUTUMN 2020 | 43