Gluten is a type of protein that is found abundantly in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s what gives dough its elastic texture and helps bread to rise.
But not everyone can tolerate gluten, and for those individuals, it can cause a range of health issues. In this article, we’ll be exploring who’s at risk of needing a gluten-free diet, why that might be, and what the implications are for their health.
Celiac Disease
The most well-known condition associated with gluten intolerance is celiac disease. This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the small intestine when gluten is present.
Over time, this leads to damage to the lining of the gut, which can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Celiac disease is thought to affect around 1 in 100 people worldwide, although this figure is likely to be an underestimate, as many cases go undiagnosed. It can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
In addition to celiac disease, there is another condition known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This is a less well-defined condition, as there are no specific diagnostic tests for it.
However, it is thought to affect up to 6% of the population, and can cause similar symptoms to those seen in celiac disease, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to an overactive immune response to gluten, even in the absence of celiac disease.
Research in this area is ongoing, so it’s possible that we may learn more about this condition in the future.
Wheat Allergy
Another condition that can require a gluten-free diet is wheat allergy. This is a different type of immune response to gluten, and involves the production of antibodies against wheat proteins.
The symptoms of wheat allergy can be similar to those of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, but may also include swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, as well as difficulty breathing.
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Wheat allergy is less common than either celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, affecting around 0.2% of the population. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, but can also occur in adults.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
There have been some suggestions that a gluten-free diet may be beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
This is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, and is thought to have a complex genetic and environmental basis.
While there is some anecdotal evidence to support the use of a gluten-free diet in ASD, there is currently no definitive scientific evidence to show that it is effective.
More research is needed in this area to determine whether a gluten-free diet could be a helpful intervention for individuals with ASD.
Other Conditions
There are a range of other conditions that may be associated with gluten intolerance, although the evidence linking them is less clear. Some of these include:.
- Multiple sclerosis
- Psoriasis
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
While there is some evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet may be helpful in these conditions, more research is needed to confirm these links.
Conclusion
There are a range of conditions that can require a gluten-free diet, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, and possibly some other conditions as well.
If you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to gluten intolerance, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.
For individuals who do need to follow a gluten-free diet, it’s important to work with a dietitian to ensure that the diet remains balanced and nutritious.
While a gluten-free diet can be challenging to follow, it is possible to avoid gluten while still enjoying a varied and healthy diet.
