Coeliac disease: Canterbury research finds gut bacteria changes before disease develops
Researchers in Canterbury have identified specific gut bacteria changes associated with the development of coeliac disease. This discovery could lead to new preventative measures or treatments for the autoimmune condition.
Why it matters
Understanding the microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases offers a potential pathway to reducing the prevalence of a condition that currently has no cure beyond a strict diet.
Canterbury has one of the highest rates of coeliac disease in the world, with new research linking the condition to changes in gut bacteria and potentially opening the door to new ways of preventing or treating it.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by eating gluten, and the only treatment for the incurable condition is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.
While 30 to 40% of the population carry a genetic predisposition to the disease, it affects only 1 to 3% of people globally.
In Canterbury, more than one in 82 people have coeliac disease.
Now, research by the Riddet Institute, which focuses on advanced food research, PhD candidate Peter Prendergast and co-researchers could shed more light on why some people develop the disease while others do not.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in