Gluten is the major protein in wheat and other grains. Individuals must avoid wheat, rye, triticale, spelt, barley and oats, which are high in gluten. Signs and symptoms of severe gluten intolerance may vary. Edema may develop, as may anemia from iron, B12 and folate deficiency. Infants may be colicky, have failure to thrive and have offensive bulky stools.
Gluten intolerance can affect many other systems of the body and result in a wide range of symptoms.
Anemias, eczema, dermatitis herpetiformis, alopecia, weight loss, weakness, myalgias and neuritis have also been noted with gluten intolerance. Antigliadin antibodies have been associated with peripheral neuropathies, osteomalacias, osteoporosis and increased fractures. An increased incidence has been noted in individuals with diabetes mellitus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, Down's syndrome, Neuropathies and many other chronic conditions listed below. Both IgG and IgA antibodies may be measured in this test. Any elevation of antibodies in the blood against gliadin reveal that there is a systemic reaction to the gliadin antigens.