Complications
Lactose intolerance is a concomitant disease of celiac disease, which is also due to changes in the mucous membrane of the small intestine. It describes an enzyme deficiency of the intestinal mucosa, which is due to the coeliac disease typical changes in the small intestinal mucosa: The enzyme lactase splits up double sugars into simple sugars in the cells of the small intestinal mucosa. Carbohydrates can only be absorbed by the body in the form of simple sugars. If the mucous membrane lacks lactase, carbohydrates are not absorbed. Patients with celiac disease should therefore refrain from consuming lactose until the small intestinal mucosa has regenerated.
Prognosis and course
Patients with celiac disease should follow a gluten-free diet, as otherwise their risk of developing malignant lymphoma increases. This is a malignant disease of the lymphatic system.
Prophylaxis
Since celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, prophylaxis is not possible. –> Continue on the topic of nutrition in coeliac disease
