Coeliac

Coeliac condition arises in individuals sensitive to a protein, gluten, found in cereals of wheat, rye, barley, oats and possibly sorghum, triticale and some millets. These cereals damage the villi, finger like projections, which line the inside of the bowel. This results in nutrients not being absorbed, leading to deficiencies in vitamins, iron, folic acid and calcium.

Common symptoms include chronic constipation, chronic diarrhoea, chronic anaemia, poor weight gain in young children and weight loss in older children or adults.