Gluten Free Myth: Gluten Intolerance & Gluten Allergy is The Same as Celiac Disease

Myth: Gluten Intolerance & Gluten Allergy is the same as Celiac Disease

Truth: NOT TRUE! There is a very large difference.

It is true that someone with gluten intolerance, gluten allergy & celiac disease all must be on a gluten free diet but the degree to which they need to be careful of cross contamination is different as is the response in the body.  It is important to know the differences between the two & especially important to know which one you have or someone you are preparing food for.

Gluten Intolerance: gluten intolerance is not thought to be driven by the immune system but is an issue where the gluten protein (gliadin) is not fully digested & can induce symptoms such as gassiness, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain.  The main point in gluten intolerance is it is transient {doesn’t last long} and does not cause permanent damage.   There is no medical need to really watch for cross contamination.

Gluten Allergy: gluten allergy is an immune reaction/response (IgE antibodies) to eating gluten. Symptoms can range from hives, eczema, asthma, headaches or anaphylaxis.  There is no damage to the intestines & typically cause no long-lasting damage to the body.  (rare cases of anaphylaxis is a different story – but much the same as peanut allergy that causes anaphylaxis). Cross contamination is not much of an issue here.

Celiac Disease: celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder present in genetically susceptible individuals where when gluten is present – the body begins to attack itself & causes damage to the intestines which leads to even bigger problems.  The resulting inflammation & atrophy in the small intestine from the body attacking itself results in the mal-absorption of critical & important vitamins and minerals – which can lead to iron deficiency, osteoporosis &  anemia to name a few.  Since it is an autoimmune disorder it puts the person at a bigger risk for other autoimmune disorders such as Type I diabetes, joint, bone & liver issues.  People with celiac disease are also at an increased risk to developing Gastrointestinal cancer.  Avoiding cross contamination and strict food safety is a huge MUST for people with celiac disease.

So again while each of the three need to be on a gluten free diet there is a very large difference to the reaction within the body to the gluten proteins and large differences between the possible complications due to contamination.  Since neither intolerance nor allergy have an autoimmune reaction there is no increased risk for intestinal damage, cancers or malabsortion issues like there is with celiac disease.   Symptoms from a gluten allergy or gluten intolerance resolve once the offending food is removed from the body – with celiac disease there is body/organ damage left over even after the gluten has left the body.

disclaimer: i am not a medial professional & this info comes from years of research by myself on the topics. Please discuss with your own physician if you have any questions or concerns about your own health.