Inflammatory bowel disorder characterized by microscopic inflammation of the large intestine consisting predominantly of lymphocytic infiltration and a thickened subepithelial collagen band (beneath the surface).

A psychiatric condition characterized by abnormal social relations and is more characteristic of the classical infantile-onset CD, probably caused by nutritional deficits and toxic effects of severe malabsorption.

What Is Iron?

I ron is an essential mineral that is required for normal body function.

Almost two-thirds of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Smaller amounts of iron are found in myoglobin, a protein that helps supply oxygen to muscle, and in enzymes that assist biochemical reactions.

Iron is also found in proteins that store iron for future needs and that transport iron in blood.

Q: How are iron stores regulated?

A:Iron stores are regulated by intestinal iron absorption.¹That is, whenever iron is needed, more iron is absorbed than when iron is sufficient. This mechanism prevents excess iron in the body which is harmful.

In the brain, iron is necessary to ensure oxygenation and to produce energy in the cerebral parenchyma (via cytochrome oxid. ase), and for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin.

Iron concentrations in the umbilical artery are critical during the development of the fetus, and in relation with the IQ in the child.²

What Is Iron Deficiency In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

1. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional accessed 12/11/12 [↩]
2. Bourre JM. Effects of nutrients (in food) on the structure and function of the nervous system: update on dietary requirements for brain. Part 1: micronutrients. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep-Oct; 10(5):377-85. [↩]

What Is Epilepsy?

E pilepsy is a dysfunctional disorder of the brain characterized by recurring seizures also called convulsions.

Q: What happens in a seizure?

A: During a seizure  abnormal electrical discharges occur within the brain. Not all seizures have the same intensity or involvement.

Seizures can be generalized, partial  or unclassified.

• Generalized siezures affect both sides of the brain and the individual usually loses consciousness.
• Partial affect one part of the brain and the individual usually is awake.

What Is Epilepsy In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

What Is Bronchiectasis?

B ronchiectasis is a pulmonary disorder characterized by chronic dilation of bronchi (main airways) and bronchioles (small airways) with chronic inflammation and swelling, increasing the risk of infection.

In bronchiectasis, mucus produced to trap foreign substances, such as dust and bacteria, builds-up because the ability of airways to move it out is impaired. Normally, hair-like cilia that line airways beat mucus out of the lungs. Loss of this action increases mucus in the airways which increases risk of pneumonia.

The anatomy of airways is likened to a branching tree. The trachea, or windpipe, like the trunk of a tree, branches into two primary bronchi that connect it to the lungs. One bronchus connects to the left lung and the other to the right lung. Each bronchus further divides into smaller bronchi that connect to the lobes. Lobes are large subdivisions of lung tissue: two of the left lung and three of the right lung.

Lobe bronchi divide into smaller bronchial tubes ending in small bronchioles. The ends of bronchioles are surrounded with and attached to tiny alveoli which are air sacs that look like clusters of grapes.

Q: What effect does inflammation have on the lungs?

A: Alveoli are only one cell thick, where oxygen is obtained by the bloodsteam from air breathed into them and carbon dioxide is released from the bloodstream to air that is breathed out of air sacs through the pulmonary tree. Two things happen:

1. Inflammation  impairs exchange of gases in alveoli, resulting in lack of sufficient oxygen (O2) for body cell functions, called hypoxia, and build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2) in blood, called CO2 retention.
2. Inflammation narrows passageways, which reduces the movement of air to and from the alveoli, and this puts stress on the right side of the heart.

Bronchiectasis can affect one or both lungs or one segment or multiple segments of a lung. Treatment is with antibiotics, chest physiotherapy and good nutrition.

What Is Bronchiectasis In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

What Is Ocular Myopathy?

O cular myopathy is an impairment of musculature of the eyeball that is characterized by abnormalities of eye movement that make initiating and maintaining eye movement and eye contact difficult.

What Is Ocular Myopathy In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

What Are Kidney Stones?

K idney stones, also called renal calculi, are abnormal hard formations in the kidneys that are composed mainly of calcium oxalate, also uric acid, and cystine.

Q: How big are kidney stones?

A: Stones can vary in size from microscopic crystals to several centimeters in diameter.

Some stones that are able to enter a ureter can cause excruciating pain while small stones can pass out with urine unnoticeed. A ureter is a tube that connects a kidney to the bladder for the purpose of removing urine. There are two ureters, one for each kidney.

What Are Kidney Stones In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

What Is Miscarriage?

M iscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, is a reproductive failure characterized by loss of an unborn baby before the 20th week of pregnancy.

What Is Miscarriage In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

What Is Developmental Delay?

D evelopmental delay is failure in infants and young children to meet expected milestones, such as smiling for the first time or taking the first steps, due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas.

These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.¹

What Is Developmental Delay In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

1. Developmental Disabilities: Delivery of Medical Care for Children and Adults. I. Leslie Rubin and Allen C. Crocker. Philadelphia, Pa, Lea & Febiger, 1989. [↩]