7 Silent Symptoms of Celiac Disease Often Ignored

Many people with celiac disease suffer from persistent tiredness or chronic fatigue. This isn't just feeling sleepy—this is exhaustion that lingers no matter how much rest you get.

Why it happens:

Gluten damages the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption—especially iron, folate, and vitamin B12. This leads to iron deficiency anemia, which in turn causes fatigue and low energy levels.

Watch for:

One of the biggest misdiagnoses for celiac is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). While both conditions cause digestive distress, celiac is triggered by gluten and causes lasting intestinal damage.

Warning signs:

• Bloating after gluten consumption

• Abdominal discomfort that doesn't go away

• Chronic constipation or diarrhea

If you notice these gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after eating gluten-containing foods like wheat, rye, or barley, it's time to consider testing for celiac disease.

encies without an obvious cause. Because the damaged small intestine can’t absorb nutrients efficiently, people with celiac often develop:

• Vitamin D deficiency (leading to weak bones and immunity)

• Low B12 levels (affecting mood and nerve function)

• Folate deficiency

• Iron deficiency anemia (causing fatigue, headaches, brittle nails)

Don’t just take supplements—ask your doctor to investigate malabsorption.

Bone pain and joint pain may seem unrelated to gluten, but they are common signs of gluten-triggered inflammation and long-term nutrient malabsorption.

Common complaints:

• Aching knees or hips

• Lower back pain without clear cause

• Sore wrists or joints that feel inflamed

Over time, these symptoms can progress to osteopenia or even osteoporosis, especially in untreated cases.

Not all gluten sensitivity shows up in the gut. For many, it appears on the skin. One specific condition linked to celiac is dermatitis herpetiformis—an intensely itchy, blistery rash often found on elbows, knees, or back.

But even if you don't have classic gluten rash, look out for:

• Persistent eczema or dry skin

• Chronic dermatitis not responding to treatment

• Itchy skin flare-ups without a known trigger

Skin is a reflection of gut health. These symptoms could be a surface-level sign of deeper autoimmune gluten reaction.

For kids and adults, celiac disease can interfere with growth and reproductive health. This is especially true when the disease is undiagnosed for years.

In children:

• Delayed growth or poor height gain

• Failure to thrive

• Constant irritability or poor appetite

In adults:

• Fertility issues

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Miscarriages

If your child is struggling with development, or you're experiencing infertility without explanation, consider pediatric celiac testing or ad

Many people live with non-classic celiac disease and never realize they have it. Here’s why:

• Symptoms are subtle or unrelated to digestion

• Celiac disease nutrient deficiencies are mistaken for general poor diet

• Many rely on gluten elimination diets without proper testing

• Doctors may not link fatigue, skin, mood, and gut symptoms together

How to Get Diagnosed Accurately

If you suspect celiac disease, it’s crucial to follow the proper path to diagnosis.

1. Stay on gluten before testing

• Removing gluten before testing can cause false negatives.

2. Request these tests:

• tTG-IgA test (main celiac blood test)

• Total IgA levels

• Optional: EMA or deamidated gliadin peptide tests

3. Endoscopy & biopsy

If antibodies are high, doctors may do a duodenal biopsy to confirm intestinal damage.

4. Consider genetic testing

Checking for HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genes can help rule out or support diagnosis.

Long-Term Risks of Undiagnosed Celiac

Without diagnosis and treatment, celiac disease can lead to:

• Increased lymphoma risk

• Early osteoporosis

• Permanent neurological complications

• Additional autoimmune diseases (thyroid, diabetes)

• Skin conditions and ongoing mental health issues

Treatment: Gluten-Free Recovery Plan

Once diagnosed, the gold standard treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. Here's what that involves:

Nutrition support:

• Replace iron, vitamin D, B12, and calcium

• Add probiotics, collagen, and anti-inflammatory foods

Lifestyle changes:

• Join a celiac support group

• Keep a food and symptom journal

• Watch for cross-contamination in shared kitchens

Retesting:

• Recheck celiac antibodies every 6–12 months

• Monitor nutrient levels, bone density, and gut healing

Conclusion: Take Silent Symptoms Seriously

Celiac disease doesn’t always shout—it often whispers. If you recognize more than one of these silent symptoms, especially fatigue, skin issues, or nutrient deficiencies, don’t self-diagnose. Get proper celiac testing, stay on gluten until confirmed, and follow through with long-term care.

This early awareness can prevent lifelong complications and help you reclaim your health—starting with what’s on your plate.