Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology
-
Scand. J. Gastroenterol. · Sep 1999
Comparative StudyPersistent mucosal abnormalities in coeliac disease are not related to the ingestion of trace amounts of gluten.
It is expected that in patients with coeliac disease the small-bowel mucosal mucosa will return to normal if they adhere to a gluten-free diet (GFD). However, in many this is not the case. This study aims to determine whether this persistent villous atrophy (VA) could be due to continued ingestion of the trace amounts of gluten in 'gluten-free' foods, as defined by the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius. ⋯ The persistent mucosal abnormalities seen in patients with coeliac disease on a GFD are not due to the ingestion of trace amounts of gluten. The consequences of these abnormalities have yet to be determined.