cause

• often runs in families, if someone has a close relative with condition their chance of developing coeliac is higher
• research has shown it is strongly associated with number of genetic mutations that affect a group of genes (HLA-DQ genes) that are responsible for development of immune system
• these mutated genes are, however very common and so it is thought that environmental factors must trigger the condition in certain people
• there is evidence that introducing gluten into a baby's diet before six months may increase risk of developing condition