The intestinal damage that occurs in celiac disease is associated with the abnormal immunological response and intolerance to certain protein fractions of cereals. Individual with celiac disease have a sensitivity to prolamin fractions of wheat (gliadin), rye (secalin) and barley (hordein).
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten free diet for life. Previously, oats were also included in the list of cereals causing symptoms in celiac patients.
Celiac disease is characterized by diarrhea, emaciation, aphthous stomatitis malabsorption.
Finnish celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis patients had been using oat-containing gluten-free diets since 1997 (Peraaho M. Oats can diversify a gluten-free diet in celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. J Am Diet Assoc 104(7):1148-1150).
The researchers found that 1000 randomly selected members of the Celiac Society, 73% with celiac disease and 55% with dermatitis herpetiformis.
Since 1995, several additional studies published found no adverse effects associated with the regular consumption of moderate amounts of oats. These studies have shown that oats suitable for both adult and child patients.
Oats and celiac disease
