Anemia

[penguin11]

Hello,

Did anyone have anemia before getting getting diagnosed with celiac disease? Is so, how did it feel, and how long did it go before you saw an improvement after going gluten-free?

 

[trents]

Anemia is one of the most common spinoffs of celiac disease. I was slightly anemic before I was diagnosed but not enough to really produce symptoms. Becoming easily fatigued is usually the first symptom of significant anemia. You may also experience rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, feeling chilly like the thermostat has been turned down and brittle nails. That's not a complete catalog but some of the more common effects produced by anemia.

Anemia should begin to resolve slowly after going truly gluten free if you are a celiac. Recovery from anemia can be speeded up by taking iron supplements. If you have a type of anemia called pernicious anemia you lack an enzyme produced by the stomach called "intrinsic factor" which makes you unable to absorb vitamin B12. B12 is necessary for the assimilation of iron. In that case you would need B12 injections regularly.

Edited November 6, 2021 by trents

[Scott Adams]

I did not have anemia, but this is definitely one of the more common symptoms, and is one of the primary ways that people who don't know that they have celiac disease find out that they have it. 

[europyia]

I was severely Anemic. Had to get regular Iron Infusions. And had to see a Hematologist regularly. Extreme fatigue, wanted to sleep all the time, light headed,  cold hands and feet. 

Went gluten free after diagnosis and my numbers came back up within 6 months.