Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are the villi permanently damaged in a patient with Celiac Disease and how long does it take for the villi to return to normal?
  2. Can I outgrow Celiac Disease?
  3. Is there hidden gluten?
  4. Is Celiac Disease a food allergy?
  5. What about oats?

Are the villi permanently damaged in a patient with Celiac Disease and how long does it take for the villi to return to normal?

The villi are not permanently damaged. The intestine is an organ, which renews itself every three days. Therefore, if the damage is exclusively due to CD, the villi will be reformed once on a gluten-free diet. The time for the villa to return to normal varies between individuals. If you have any questions aout villa, please see our New Member Information section.

If you have any questions about villa, please see our New Member Info Section

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Can I outgrow Celiac Disease?

If you are a biopsy proven Celiac, you will not outgrow the disease since Celiac Disease is now considered to be an autoimmune disorder like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Is there hidden gluten?

Yes, you should always be careful before ingesting anything. Take candy bars for instance. Snickers full size are gluten free, however Snicker Pop'ables are not.

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Is Celiac Disease a food allergy?

No, Celiac Disease is not a food allergy; rather it is an autoimmune disease. Food allergies, including wheat allergy, are conditions that people can grow out of. This is not the case with Celiac Disease.

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What about oats?

Many recent studies indicate that the protein found in oats may not be harmful to most people with celiac disease. However, there is concern that the oats may be contaminated with wheat during the milling and processing. Please consult your physician or dietitian before adding oats to you or your child’s diet.

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Last Updated 07/01/2006