Why Do People Develop Coeliac Disease? Paediatric Gastroenterologist, Physician-Scientist & New Director at The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children, Dr Maureen Leonard

A Gluten Free PodcastEpisode 195My guest on today’s episode is paediatric gastroenterologist, physician-scientist and the new director for The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children, Dr Maureen Leonard. We’ll talk about Dr. Leonard’s own coeliac disease diagnosis, the CDGEMM study, the gut microbiome, refractory coeliac disease and much more. We’ll talk about: * Maureen’s newly appointed position of director for The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children, succeeding Dr Alessio Fasano * Maureen’s history of working alongside Dr Fasano and their ongoing work relationship * Mission for the The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children and its history * Dr Leonard’s coeliac disease coinciding in her medical training* How Dr Leonard’s coeliac disease has influenced her work in coeliac disease research by bringing empathy to her patients and study participants * The unique need when you have coeliac disease to announce your disease and your gluten free requirements * The aim of the Celiac Disease Microbiome and Metabolic Study (CDGEMM) and what Dr Lenoard and the insights the team have gained so far* Environmental factors contributing to coeliac disease activating in individuals * Analysing changes in the microbiome within stool samples prior to coeliac disease onset * Understanding the onset of coeliac disease in order to discover possible prevention methods * Precision medicine and biomarkers in relation to coeliac disease * Use of prebiotics and probiotics for management of coeliac disease * Persistent symptoms and damage in adults and children with coeliac disease despite adherence to a strict gluten free diet * Research in mucosal healing in children with coeliac disease * Defining ‘non-responsive’ or ‘refractory’ coeliac disease and the current management strategies in place for this condition * Defining the gut microbiome and how its effected in people with coeliac disease* How the gut microbiome can influence the immune system, intestinal barrier integrity, inflammation, gluten metabolism and more * Alterations in the gut microbiome being seen in cohort of children prior to coeliac disease diagnoses * Faecal transplants and coeliac disease* Defining gluten ataxia * Collaboration amongst The Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at Mass General for Children and other organisations in the US and around the world * Biggest question for Dr. Leonard within coeliac disease research currently * Dr. Leonard’s advice for parents of children newly diagnosed with coeliac disease * Story of one child’s coeliac disease diagnosis and the changes in behaviour following a strict gluten free diet Links Follow Dr. Leonard on Instagram Celiac Doc Center For CeliHead to happytummies.com.au & use our code GFCHRISTMAS to save 20% off Free From Family Co everyday range! Valid from 8th Nov - 25th December, 2025.  Up to 25% discounts on Bask & Co products site-wide and with NO discount codes required! FREE shipping on orders over $99. Only while stocks last! Shop here🥣 Celiac Cruise - a 100% gluten free vacation cruise is setting sail on two Australian cruises in 2026: one to the South Pacific and the other to New Zealand. There'll of course be awesome 100% gluten free food onboard, heaps of fun stuff to do, educational talks and a community of people who understand each other. Buy your tickets here & see ya onboard gluten free fam! 

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