Anaemia - anaemia, is the presence of insufficient haemoglobin and/or red blood cells in the blood. This results in weakness, pallor and fainting, among other things. However, few people know that anaemia can be caused by coeliac disease - an autoimmune reaction to gluten that causes the body to not fully absorb nutrients.
Anaemia - symptoms include fatigue, weakness and hair loss
Anaemia most often manifests as fatigue and weakness that does not go away even after rest or holidays. Palpitations or fainting may occur, as well as low blood pressure. Anaemia also causes decreased concentration and memory problems, poor physical condition (breathlessness occurs even after a very short run), malaise and a tendency to depression.
In addition to mood-related symptoms, there are also those that can be seen in one's own appearance. The skin becomes pale, dry and rough, also the lips and mucous membranes lose their characteristic red colour. What's more, hair also falls out and becomes dry and brittle.
Celiac disease and anaemia - why do these diseases go together?
Anaemia can be one of the co-morbidities of coeliac disease. This is because it occurs due to an inadequate amount of nutrients in the body - the deficiencies, on the other hand, can be linked to gluten intolerance. Why? Consumption of gluten in coeliac disease causes the intestines to react in an inappropriate manner to gluten, resulting in the loss of intestinal villi, which are responsible for the absorption of nutrients.
The body may therefore be malnourished, with deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, including those responsible for the appearance of anaemia, i.e. iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, copper.
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Celiac disease and anaemia - a gluten-free diet is necessary
If celiac disease and anaemia co-occur, supplementation with iron, folic acid and other vitamins will have no effect. This also applies to the consumption of foods rich in these elements. The intestines will simply not be able to absorb the vitamins in any form.
With the co-existence of these two diseases, gluten must be eliminated to zero - this is the only way to rebuild the damaged intestines and begin to reabsorb the nutrients needed to nourish the body. Celiac disease cannot be cured, so a gluten-free diet must be followed for life. This will enable you to correct deficiencies and avoid other health consequences, as well as improving your quality of life.
