Member login 
Coeliac New Zealand Logo

Associated Conditions

Most Common Associated Conditions

There are a number of conditions associated with coeliac disease. Many people with coeliac disease also suffer from other autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions, dermatitis herpetiformis or malnutrition.

However, people who suffer with these conditions will be relieved to know that just like coeliac disease, they can hope to see a significant improvement in their symptoms after following a gluten free diet for some time. While research is still being conducted on many of the conditions, here is what we do now about them:

SYMPTOMS OF COELIAC DISEASE

Malnutrition

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Malabsorption may lead to malnutrition and/or a number of associated conditions. These can include alopecia, dental enamel defects, iron deficiency, lethargy, mouth ulcers, osteoporosis and infertility. Some of these conditions (like dental enamel defects), may already be established in people diagnosed with coeliac disease and can be difficult to remedy.  
However, once coeliac disease is diagnosed (NB: it is very important you receive a diagnosis prior to starting a gluten free diet), consuming a gluten free diet will improve the majority of these associated problems. . It will also minimize the risk of developing new problems related to malabsorption, because as the gut heals, absorption of nutrients increases.

Autoimmune Conditions

As it is likely there is a common gene link, people with coeliac disease are genetically predisposed to developing other autoimmune conditions, such as thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes. Though further research needs to be undertaken, there is also a correlation with other autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis.

Become a Member

  • Get advice, support, recipes and more throughout your coeliac journey
  • Become part of a lively and supportive community
  • Receive updates from medical professionals, manufacturers, and researchers
  • Gain access to our member only resources, support groups, kids’ clubs, special offers, and the Coeliac Link magazine
Member Plans

Gastrointestinal Conditions

Gastrointestinal conditions associated with coelaic disease can include:
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Pernicious anaemia (inability to absorb B12)
  • Pancreatic insufficiency (inability to properly digest food)
  • Microscopic colitis (watery diarrhoea)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Gastrointestinal cancers

Long term undiagnosed coeliac disease has a small associated risk of developing certain kinds of rare gut cancers. However, once you have been following a gluten free diet for some time there is no increased risk above that of the general population.

"Together, we are GF for life"

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

Get Involved

Support your charity – the only not-for-profit supporting Kiwis with coeliac disease. Become part of Coeliac New Zealand now.

Volunteer

We're recruiting for volunteers - interested? Share your knowledge and experience with others living with the disease. Find out how.

Get in touch

Donate

Help us reach more people who are suffering from coeliac disease. Contribute to the greater good of your community.

Make a donation

Learning Resources

Access the online course, approved by the Division for Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Munich, Germany.

Understand coeliac disease

TREATMENT

Coeliac disease is treated by a life-long gluten free diet. By specifically removing the cause of the disease, this treatment allows all abnormalities to recover completely. As long as the diet is adhered to strictly, patients can recover.

An initial few weeks on both a gluten/lactose free diet will allow the bowel lining to replace its 'lactase' enzyme quantities, which digest lactose sugar prior to absorption. This may take longer for some individuals than others.

GET
DIAGNOSED

Think you may be Coeliac. Find out what you need to do here

VIEW MORE

ONLINE ASSESSMENT

Not sure? Take our free and confidential self-assessment

VIEW MORE

About Coeliac New Zealand

Your partner in
healthy living

Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.

Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.

Latest News

09/01/2026
Cilla shares her journey with coeliac disease

Shared experiences create a unique kind of connection that’s hard to replicate in any other way. Whether a diagnsois of coeliac disease is challenging or easy because others you know have been diagnosed before you, every individual's experience is unique.  This is Cilla's journey with coeliac disease.... I was diagnosed with coeliac disease over 20 […]

Read More
05/01/2026
Hayley shares her journey with coeliac disease

Shared experiences create a unique kind of connection that’s hard to replicate in any other way. Whether a diagnsois of coeliac disease is challenging or easy because others you know have been diagnosed before you, every individual's experience is unique.  For Hayley, it went like this... 2025 started off great. We had a busy season […]

Read More
16/12/2025
Digital Food Labelling Must Complement - Not Compromise - Food Safety

Coeliac New Zealand plays a vital role in advocating for people with coeliac disease by representing their needs at a national level and working to improve awareness, diagnosis, and support. Through ongoing engagement with government agencies, healthcare professionals, and the food industry, the organisation helps to ensure safer food labelling, better access to gluten-free options, […]

Read More
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram