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Risks of Celiac Disease

Posted: April 1, 2006

Until recently, celiac disease was thought to be uncommon in the United States. However, studies have shown that celiac disease is very common. Recent findings estimate about 2 million people in the United States have celiac disease, or about 1 in 133 people. Among people who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with celiac disease, as many as 1 in 22 people may have the disease.

Recent studies have shown that it also may be more common in Africa, South America, and Asia than previously believed.

What are the complications of celiac disease?
Damage to the small intestine and the resulting nutrient absorption problems put a person with celiac disease at risk for malnutrition and anemia as well as several diseases and health problems.

• Lymphoma and adenocarcinoma are cancers that can develop in the intestine.
• Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak, brittle, and prone to breaking. Poor calcium absorption contributes to osteoporosis.
• Miscarriage and congenital malformation of the baby, such as neural tube defects, are risks for pregnant women with untreated celiac disease because of nutrient absorption problems.
• Short stature refers to being significantly under-the-average height. Short stature results when childhood celiac disease prevents nutrient absorption during the years when nutrition is critical to a child's normal growth and development. Children who are diagnosed and treated before their growth stops may have a catch-up period.

• Thyroid disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Type 1 diabetes
• Liver disease
• Collagen vascular disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren's syndrome

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