When is nutrition counselling recommended for coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet to protect the small intestine. A dietitian can explain ingredient labels, separate preparation areas, shared utensils and suitable alternatives, while checking that meals contain enough fibre, protein and key nutrients. Advice is especially useful after diagnosis, during pregnancy, for children, or when symptoms continue despite careful eating. Avoid starting a gluten-free diet before planned testing unless your clinician advises it, because this can affect assessment.

Bring food labels, a typical meal pattern and details of symptoms to the appointment. Ask how to handle restaurants, travel, packaged foods and shared kitchens. Follow the agreed plan and attend any recommended follow-up. Do not assume that a product is safe because it is wheat-free; the full ingredient and preparation context matters. Read about [Coeliac Disease](/conditions/coeliac-disease/) and [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/).

Contact your clinician if diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal symptoms or poor growth continue after starting a gluten-free plan. Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, fainting, blood in stool or intense abdominal pain. Ongoing symptoms may have more than one cause and deserve review rather than increasingly restrictive eating.

Ask whether testing is complete, which nutrient checks or follow-up are needed, how to prevent gluten cross-contact, and when a dietitian should review your progress.