Description

The stool is tested for antibodies against anti-gliadin, anti-tissue transglutaminase and immunoglobulin A. An increase in antibodies indicates that the body reacts negatively to gluten and that the body produces antibodies against gliadin and transglutaminase.

An increase in these values does not show that you have coeliac disease (gluten intolerance). Coeliac disease is a lifelong inflammatory disease that develops in response to gluten. High values do indicate an increased risk of this disease. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt and kamut. Gluten consists of proteins that make bread elastic. This is why they are used in bread baking. Coeliac disease is a serious condition that occurs in 1% of the population. Recovery occurs when products containing gluten are strictly avoided for life. A larger number of people do not tolerate gluten. The diagnosis is ultimately made by an internal examination.

If you do not tolerate bread containing gluten well, your risk of coeliac disease may be ten times higher than average. If you already had abdominal pain or anaemia as a child, or if coeliac disease occurs in the family, the risk of coeliac disease is many times higher. If you want to know whether you react negatively to gluten, it is important to continue consuming gluten so that the test can be performed. Have the antibodies tested in the blood as well. So do not stop consuming gluten immediately.

Indications/complaints

The following complaints may be present with gluten intolerance:
– Regular abdominal pain
– Loose stools or constipation
– Fatty stools
– Nausea, reduced appetite
– Growth retardation in children
– Anaemia, deficiency of minerals or vitamins
– Flatulence or a bloated abdomen
– Bloated abdomen after eating bread
– Fatigue after certain foods
– Complaints decrease when bread is omitted
– Reduced resistance
– Anal itching
– Skin complaints or itching
– Depression, neurological complaints
– Migraine
– Gastrointestinal complaints since childhood
– Gluten intolerance occurs in the family

Complaints in children due to coeliac disease:
– Abdominal pain
– Anaemia, pallor
– No appetite
– Thin, thin arms
– Rounded abdomen
– Tired, listless, clingy