Coeliac New Zealand

It’s estimated that one in 50 Kiwis have coeliac disease, but a significant number of these cases remain undiagnosed, that means a large proportion of the 100,000 New Zealanders estimated to be living with coeliac disease aren’t even aware they have it.

Coeliac disease is a permanent intestinal reaction to dietary gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye and avenin in oats. This reaction causes damage to the small intestine and can lead to a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and fatigue. If left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to serious health issues.

Coeliac NZ general manager Wendy Bremner says once coeliac disease is diagnosed, following a strict gluten free diet will improve the majority of associated problems related to malabsorption caused by the disease. Ongoing issues like alopecia, dental defects, mouth ulcers and infertility can be overcome because as the gut heals, the absorption of nutrients increases. Accessing dietary support and information to make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent further harm, is important.

Coeliac NZ offers a variety of resources and tools to support people with coeliac disease and their whānau, including a range of videos and webinars on YouTube and a regularly published coeliac link magazine as well as our Wellness Journal with day-to-day coping tips and strategies. The organisation also runs kids’ clubs in some regions around Aotearoa.

Having the right support structures around you plays an important role enabling you to recognise life’s hurdles and gain confidence in your own ability to deal with them. For someone with coeliac disease, getting a correct diagnosis can be life changing. .

Increasing awareness of CD is instrumental in more diagnoses being made and supporting people with coeliac disease to live their best lives.

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