Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract and commonly affects the small intestine and colon.

Gluten sensitivity, which is a relatively new and not fully understood condition, refers to a set of symptoms that occur in response to consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While these two conditions are distinct, there may be an overlap between IBD and gluten sensitivity.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an umbrella term for two chronic diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive tract: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s disease causes inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, while ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the colon and rectum.

What Is Gluten Sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is a condition in which eating gluten triggers a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.

Unlike celiac disease, which is a well-understood autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, gluten sensitivity does not cause damage to the intestinal lining and is not associated with other autoimmune disorders.

Is There a Connection Between IBD and Gluten Sensitivity?

While there is limited data on the relationship between IBD and gluten sensitivity, some studies suggest that there may be a link.

A 2014 study published in the journal Gut found that patients with IBD were more likely to have elevated antibodies to gluten compared to healthy controls. Elevated antibodies suggest that the body is mounting an immune response to gluten, which could trigger inflammation in the digestive tract.

Gluten-Free Diets and IBD

Many people with IBD have turned to gluten-free diets as a way to manage their symptoms. While there is little evidence to support the use of a gluten-free diet in IBD, some patients report symptom improvement after eliminating gluten from their diet.

However, a gluten-free diet can be difficult to follow and may not be nutritionally balanced, so it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes.

Testing for Gluten Sensitivity in IBD Patients

Currently, there is no widely accepted test for gluten sensitivity.

However, patients with IBD who are experiencing symptoms of gluten sensitivity may wish to try an elimination diet, in which gluten is removed from the diet for a period of time and then gradually added back in to see if symptoms return. Blood tests for gluten antibodies may also be useful in identifying potential gluten sensitivity.

Conclusion

While the relationship between IBD and gluten sensitivity is not fully understood, there is some evidence to suggest that there may be a link.

However, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend a gluten-free diet as a treatment for IBD, and patients should always speak with a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes.