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Wheat intolerance differs from coeliac disease. Coeliac disease is an inflammatory disease of the small intestines, caused by the presence of a type of protein known as gluten. It is often referred to as gluten sensitivity and is medically diagnosed by the presence of self-antibodies aimed against part of the wall (anti-endmysial antibodies). For coeliacs, the type of gluten known as gliadin triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.This causes inflammation and reduces the absorption of important nutrients from the diet.Coeliac disease should only be diagnosed by a medical professional, and people suffering from coeliac disease should be under supervision from their GP.

 

Wheat Intolerance can cause symptoms that are not related to inflammation of the intestines, and are not linked with coeliac disease. The FoodScan test assesses the level of anti-wheat food antibodies - it does not measure the self-antibodies that cause coeliac disease, and therefore does not diagnose coeliac disease. If the FoodScan test results indicate you may have a gluten or wheat intolerance, it dose not mean that you have coeliac disease, although you may wish to consult your doctor for further tests. Those with wheat intolerance should avoid all wheat products, not just gluten-free products.