✓ Malnutrition: Damage to the small intestine results in reduced absorption (or malabsorption) of nutrients, potentially leading to anemia (iron deficiency) and weight loss.
✓ Loss of calcium and bone density: When the small intestine cannot absorb enough calcium and vitamin D, the risk for osteoporosis increases.
✓ Infertility and miscarriage: Reproductive system issues might happen due to malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D.
✓ Lactose intolerance: Even though these do not have gluten, dairy products could cause abdominal pain and diarrhea because they contain lactose.
Your body may tolerate these products again once the small intestine has healed.
✓ Higher risk for cancer: Failure to maintain a gluten-free diet can lead to a higher risk for some types of cancer, such as intestinal lymphoma and small bowel cancer.
✓ Neurological problems: Patients with celiac disease might develop neurological problems like seizures or peripheral neuropathy, a disease of the nerves that lead to the hands and the feet.