KSA Launches Initiative to Aid Celiac Patients

The General Authority for Transport, in cooperation with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, has launched an initiative aimed at enhancing social responsibility and providing suitable food options for celiac patients, reported Saudi Press Agency.

Through this initiative, food delivery application companies can offer clear classifications for foods containing and free from gluten. This is aimed at facilitating the making of healthy dietary decisions for celiac patients.

The Transport Authority explained that the step aims to enhance community awareness about the importance of providing safe and suitable dietary options for individuals with gluten sensitivity. The initiative also strives to improve the quality of delivery application services by providing accurate and detailed information about food ingredients.

The initiative effectively contributes to saving time and effort for celiac patients and reflects the General Authority for Transport’s commitment to adopting practices that enhance social responsibility and meet the needs of diverse segments of society.

What is Coeliac?

Coeliac disease, known as “celiac disease” in the United States, is a long-term autoimmune condition predominantly impacting the small intestine. Triggered by consuming gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye, this disease has several critical aspects:

Immune Reaction to Gluten: In coeliac disease patients, gluten consumption provokes an immune reaction that impairs the small intestine’s lining, obstructing nutrient absorption and leading to various symptoms and complications.

Symptoms

These vary widely from person to person. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, anemia (low blood count), and osteoporosis. Some may experience dermatitis herpetiformis, a type of skin rash. Notably, some individuals with coeliac disease may exhibit no symptoms.

Diagnosis

The disease is generally identified through blood tests for specific antibodies and a small intestine biopsy. While genetic tests can aid in diagnosis, they are not definitive for diagnosing coeliac disease on their own.

Treatment

The primary treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which aids in repairing intestinal damage and averting further complications. Consistently following this diet typically eases symptoms and fosters healing of the intestine.

Associated Conditions

Those with coeliac disease have a heightened risk of other autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease, as well as a greater chance of developing certain gastrointestinal cancers.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

Distinguishing coeliac disease from non-celiac gluten sensitivity is vital. The latter involves symptoms akin to coeliac disease but without the associated damage to the intestine.

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