WHAT GLUTEN IS:
It is a protein complex composed of two proteins, glutenin and gliadin, found in some cereals
such as wheat, rye, barley, Kamut, spelt and other cereal species.

WHAT IS COELIAC DISEASE?
It is neither an intolerance nor an allergy, but an autoimmune disease, affecting the small intestine,
triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. It can affect any age group
age group.

IF A PARENT IS COELIAC, WILL THEIR CHILDREN BE TOO?
As there is a genetic component in the manifestation of the disease, it does not mean, however, that the
children can manifest it. They may possess the genes but the disease may never manifest itself.
In any case, it would be a good idea, in cases of coeliac disease in the family, for all the other members of the
family members undergo a screening that can verify the presence or absence of the corresponding gene.
corresponding gene.

CAN COELIAC DISEASE CAUSE PROBLEMS IF ONE INHALES FLOUR CONTAINING GLUTEN?
No. Research states that gluten is not found in the air in such large quantities as to pose a
danger for coeliacs. The risk only arises if gluten is ingested in such quantities as to trigger
an immune response.

FAQ:

Can people with coeliac disease take all medications? Are there problems with supplements and
medical devices?

The Ministry of Health has clarified that, on the basis of European drug legislation, coeliacs can safely take all drugs on the market, even those containing wheat starch, always bearing in mind the threshold limit of gluten that a coeliac can take without activating the immune response, which is set at 10 mg per day by scientific literature.
Medical devices, as long as they are not ingested by the coeliac patient, can be defined as harmless to the patient's health. On the other hand, that which involves oral ingestion or rectal use is potentially risky, so it is advisable to check that it is labelled ‘gluten-free’.

Supplements and substances sold in herbalist shops are not protected by specific regulations governing their gluten or wheat starch content. Consequently, they are potentially risky substances for those suffering from coeliac disease and can only be taken by those preparations labelled ‘gluten-free’. The same applies, however, to all substances that must be ingested and not to those for topical use only.

Are detergents and cosmetics dangerous?

All detergents (including toothpastes, mouthwashes denture pastes), cosmetics (including lipstick and lip balm
cocoa butter) and all products for external use pose no risk to coeliacs and can be used safely as gluten is only toxic if ingested.

Can a person with coeliac disease play sport?

Absolutely yes, as long as one follows a strict gluten-free diet.
Difficulties arise for people with coeliac disease who are not properly treated.
There are in fact several consequences of coeliac disease that can affect sports performance
(e.g. anaemia, osteoporosis, arthrosis, fatigue and asthenia). When proper dietary therapy is instituted, however, these symptoms regress and there is no contraindication to practising sport, indeed it is recommended as for all healthy people.
 

To clarify.
The gluten-free diet is of no benefit to non-celiacs and does not improve performance
sports performance.