Celiac Disease Fatigue

Celiac disease fatigue is the persistent tiredness experienced by people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten. When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi that absorb nutrients. The fatigue results from multiple factors: nutrient malabsorption leading to deficiencies (especially iron and B12), chronic inflammation, and the immune system's ongoing attack on the body. Even people without obvious digestive symptoms often experience significant fatigue. A strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment, and many patients find their fatigue improves significantly within weeks to months of eliminating gluten, though complete intestinal healing may take 1-2 years.

Multiple factors contribute to celiac disease fatigue: Nutrient Deficiencies: - Iron deficiency (damaged villi can't absorb iron) - B12 deficiency - Folate deficiency - Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies Chronic Inflammation: - Immune system constantly activated - Inflammatory cytokines affect energy - Systemic inflammation impacts whole body Intestinal Damage: - Reduced nutrient absorption - Altered gut bacteria - Potential for bacterial overgrowth Ongoing Gluten Exposure: - Even small amounts trigger immune response - Hidden gluten in foods and products - Cross-contamination issues