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    Home / get involved / Coeliac Australia – Coeliac Awareness Week 2024

    Coeliac Australia – Coeliac Awareness Week 2024

    Did You Know? The Hidden Truth About Coeliac Disease 

    Coeliac Awareness Week 2025 (March 13–20)

    Did You Know? The Hidden Truth About Coeliac Disease

    Coeliac disease affects thousands of Australians—yet over 80% remain undiagnosed. This autoimmune condition, triggered by gluten, damages the small intestine and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Despite being one of the most common autoimmune disorders, coeliac disease remains widely misunderstood.

    This Coeliac Awareness Week, we’re shining a light on the facts, the latest research, and the importance of early diagnosis.

    What is Coeliac Disease? 

    Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This damage reduces the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients, leading to long-term health problems if untreated. 

    Unlike gluten sensitivity, which may cause discomfort, coeliac disease can cause permanent damage to the digestive system and increase the risk of other serious conditions, including osteoporosis, infertility, and certain cancers. 

    Common Symptoms of Coeliac Disease 

    Coeliac disease presents differently in each person, making diagnosis challenging. Some individuals experience classic digestive symptoms, while others have neurological, skin, or even fertility issues. Some experience no obvious symptoms at all but still suffer internal damage.

    See common symptoms →

    Did You Know?

    Groundbreaking Research is Transforming Coeliac Disease Diagnosis & Treatment 

    Coeliac Australia is funding and supporting pioneering research projects that aim to revolutionise the way coeliac disease is diagnosed and managed. 

    A Simple Blood Test Could Replace Biopsies  

    Current diagnosis requires an invasive small intestine biopsy, but researchers are developing a non-invasive blood test that could revolutionise early detection. This advancement could mean faster, easier, and more accessible diagnosis for thousands of Australians. 

    Children’s Teeth May Hold the Key to Early Diagnosis

    Researchers are investigating whether dental enamel defects could be used as a new screening tool for children. This could allow doctors to detect coeliac disease before serious intestinal damage occurs. 

    The Hidden Enemy in Your Spoon: Are ‘Gluten-Free’ Foods Truly Safe? 

    Many grains labeled as “gluten-free” may contain gluten mimics—proteins that still trigger immune responses in people with coeliac disease. Scientists are working to identify and eliminate these hidden dangers to make gluten-free eating safer. 

    Could a Gut Parasite Help Treat Coeliac Disease?   

    Studies are exploring whether hookworms—a natural gut parasite—could help coeliac patients tolerate gluten by regulating immune responses. This research could lead to future treatments beyond the gluten-free diet. 

    Coeliac Disease and the Spleen: Reducing Infection Risks 

    Did you know that coeliac disease can weaken the spleen? This can make individuals more vulnerable to life-threatening infections such as pneumonia and sepsis. New research aims to understand and reduce these risks. 

    Why Early Diagnosis Matters 

    Without proper diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet, coeliac disease can lead to severe long-term health complications, including: 

    • Osteoporosis & Weak Bones – Due to poor calcium absorption 
    • Infertility & Pregnancy Complications – Linked to nutrient deficiencies 
    • Neurological Disorders – Such as nerve damage, migraines, and depression 
    • Increased Risk of Certain Cancers – Including small bowel cancer 
      FREE online self-assessment

      Take Action Today 

      Take our self-assessment quiz 

      Could those unexplained symptoms be coeliac disease? Start your journey with our self-assessment quiz and take the first step towards discovery.  

      In just three minutes, you can assess your risk and discover the next steps, along with receiving helpful resources for your journey. This quiz is beneficial whether you’re experiencing specific symptoms like discomfort after eating gluten-containing foods, fatigue, or trouble focusing, or even if you have no symptoms but a family member has been diagnosed with coeliac disease. 

      Taking this quiz to explore your symptoms and risk factors is an important move towards safeguarding your health. Early identification and management of coeliac disease are vital to prevent long-term health issues. 

      Start online self-assessment now

      Share This Information

      Many people don’t realise they have coeliac disease. Help us spread awareness by sharing this page and using the hashtag #DidYouKnow #CoeliacAwarenessWeek on social media. 

      Support Research & Future Treatments 

      Coeliac Australia has committed over $600,000 to vital research—but we need your help. Donations fund life-changing studies that improve diagnosis, find new treatments, and move us closer to a cure. 

      Donate today

      Help Us Raise Awareness This Coeliac Awareness Week 

      Every share, donation, and conversation helps bring coeliac disease out of the shadows. 
      Together, we can improve lives, support research, and move towards a cure. 

      Championing our campaign 

      We’re thrilled to have the support of our esteemed Ambassadors, who are joining forces to amplify our message:

      • Brooke & Billy

      Brooke Buschkuehl

      Cherie Lyden

      Helen Tzouganatos

      Melanie Persson

      Find out more about our Ambassadors and view others

      Engage, Learn, and Take Action – Help spread the word! 

      This Coeliac Awareness Week offers opportunities for everyone, whether you’re a Coeliac Australia member, a friend or family member of someone with coeliac disease, or if you or someone you know has symptoms. There are plenty of ways to get involved, discover more, and make a difference. 

        Take and share our assessment tool: Could it be coeliac disease? Dive into our self-assessment quiz. Your answers could be the key to unlocking a healthier future. Take our self assessment quiz now 
        Get Involved: From sharing your story or sharing our content, to encouraging a family or friend to take the self-assessment quiz, every action counts. For Members we also have a letter to ministers , where you can join us in advocating for greater awareness and support for coeliac disease testing.
        Follow us on socials and share campaign posts to get the message out!
        Download the 2024 social campaign images and share and tag on your socials
        #beyondthegut #coeliacaustralia
        Download the 2024 campaign poster to display around your community, schools or workplace
        View poster options →
        Login to Member Portal to access exclusive member offers

        Inspiring Stories

        Become a Coeliac Australia member!

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        It can be difficult to know where to start when diagnosed with coeliac disease or a related gut-health concern. Research and advice can change quickly, making it hard to stay on track with your health. We walk alongside you on your journey to taking back control over your health.

        Enjoy ongoing access to research, support, recipes, news and discounts. We’ll help you stay informed to make the best decisions for your and your family’s health.

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