Celiakia - standardy diagnostyczne i terapeutyczne 2010 roku

Coeliac disease is an immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the small intestine caused by the consumption of gluten and affecting predisposed individuals. According to Kottgen’s theory, the development of the disease is affected by genetic, environmental, infectious, immune and metabolic factors. The only and principal treatment for coeliac disease is following a gluten-free diet, which involves an absolute elimination of gluten-containing foods from the diet. It is estimated that the gluten-free diet alone results in regression of the pathological changes attributable to coeliac disease regress in as many as 85% of the patients. Following the diet ensures both physical and mental wellbeing and prevents potential complications. In this paper we discuss the nature of coeliac disease as a malabsorption syndrome and the principal nutritional recommendations regarding the gluten-free diet. Forum Zaburzen Metabolicznych 2010, vol. 1, no 1, 12-21