Each May, Coeliac Disease Awareness Month shines a spotlight on a condition that affects around 1 in 100 people in the UK. However, only 36% of those with Coeliac Disease are clinically diagnosed, according to Coeliac UK. That leaves hundreds of thousands of people unknowingly living with symptoms or silently suffering without any symptoms at all. Despite growing awareness, Coeliac Disease myths and misconceptions are still common. Let’s set the record straight and debunk 10 of the most common Coeliac Disease myths.

Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with Coeliac Disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks their own tissues, damaging the lining of the small intestine and affecting nutrient absorption.

1 in 100 people in the UK have Coeliac Disease
Around 500,000 people remain undiagnosed
Diagnosis typically takes 13 years on average after symptoms begin
Coeliac Disease can develop at any age, including in adults

At Randox Health, we’re committed to increasing awareness, supporting early diagnosis, and helping people manage long-term conditions with personalised health insights. Read on to discover 10 of the most common Coeliac Disease myths and how we can help you to get a diagnosis.

Coeliac Disease Myth 1: "It's just a food allergy"

False.

Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition, not a food allergy. When someone with Coeliac Disease consumes gluten (a protein found it wheat, barley and rye), their immune system attacks the lining of their small intestine. This leads to inflammation and damage that impairs nutrient absorption.

Coeliac Disease Myth 2: "A little gluten won't hurt"

False.

Even tiny amounts of gluten, can trigger an immune response and intestinal damage, even if no symptoms are present. Vigilance is crucial.

Coeliac Disease Myth 3: "It only affects the digestive system"

Not true.

Symptoms can be widespread and affect the skin, bones, fertility, and even mental health. Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, anaemia, and depression are common extra-intestinal symptoms.

Coeliac Disease Myth 4: "You have to be underweight to have coeliac disease"

Another misconception.

People with Coeliac Disease can be of any body weight. In fact, recent research shows that many newly diagnosed patients are normal or overweight, especially as modern diets compensate for nutrient malabsorption.

Coeliac Disease Myth 5: "It's just a trend, like going gluten-free"

There’s nothing trendy about lifelong dietary restrictions.

For people with Coeliac Disease, a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment, not a lifestyle choice.

Coeliac Disease Myth 6: "You can outgrow coeliac disease"

Unfortunately, you can’t.

Coeliac Disease is lifelong. Once diagnosed, gluten must be completely and permanently removed from the diet, even if symptoms seem to improve.

Coeliac Disease Myth 7: "You can tell if a food has gluten by taste or texture"

Nope.

Gluten can be hidden in sauces, soups, processed meats, salad dressings, and even medications or cosmetics. Safe eating requires vigilance and label reading.

Coeliac Disease Myth 8: "If you don't have symptoms, it's fine to eat gluten"

Incorrect.

Asymptomatic (or “silent”) Coeliac Disease can still cause damage to the small intestine and lead to long-term complications. The absence of symptoms does not mean the condition is harmless.

Coeliac Disease Myth 9: "You don't need to get tested - just try going gluten-free"

Dangerous advice.

Testing for Coeliac Disease is only accurate if you are still eating gluten. Going gluten-free before diagnosis can result in false negatives, delaying proper medical care.

Coeliac Disease Myth 10: "It's easy, just avoid bread and pasta"

Far from easy.

Gluten can appear in countless everyday products – from soy sauce to crisps and stock cubes. Cross-contamination is a major risk when eating out or sharing kitchens. It requires lifelong vigilance, and professional dietary support is often needed.

How Randox Health Can Help

At Randox Health, we offer blood tests that screen for the HLA-DQ genetic risk marker and tTG-IgA antibody screening, the gold-standard initial test for Coeliac Disease.

Genetic Coeliac Disease Test: This test includes genetic testing to identify if you carry the HLA-DQ risk variant. Available both in-clinic and at-home.
Digestive-Bowel Health Test – This test provides a detailed picture of your gut health and includes a tTg-IgA antibody screen.

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Coeliac Disease Myths: What You Really Need to Know and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Signs

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