predisposition to alimentary intolerance

The celiac disease is a small intestine chronic inflammation, provoked by gluten ingestion in ge- netic predisposed subjects. It is one of the most common autoimmune pathologies in western countries, persisting for the whole life. In 90% of cases it is associated to the presence of HLA DQ2 antigens and in the remaining cases to the presence of HLA DQ8.
The celiac disease is connected to several extra-intestinal manifestation, like cephalea or anemia, and it can reflect in important effects in the reproductive apparatus.
The lactose intolerance is the most common of the enzymatic intolerance and it is determined by the absence of the enzyme needed for the metabolization of the nutrient. This intolerance takes place in case of lactase enzyme deficiency, which is able to separate lactose (the primary sugar in milk) in glucose and galactose; the symptoms are shown mainly in the age between seven and thirty years old. If not correctly digested, the lactose remaining in the intestine is being ferment- ed by the bacterial flora with consequent colic, cramps, meteorism and diarrhea. It is a very com- mon disease in adults and very diffused in Italy, especially in the southern regions.