Photo: befunky.com
Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disorder triggered by gluten which can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue and anaemia. It affects one per cent of the world's population. Otago University Associate Professor of public health and member of the Coeliac New Zealand Medical Advisory Panel, Kirsten Coppell, says the incidence of the disease is increasing in New Zealand, as it is globally. She says while there are more and more gluten free products available, some can still contain traces of gluten, and that many staff in cafes and restaurants have no knowledge of best practice.
