The Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity test is a comprehensive serologic profile that uses widely accepted immunologic biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of Celiac disease (CD) and gluten sensitivity. Epidemiologic studies estimate a worldwide prevalence of CD of approximately 1:100 individuals, with a considerable proportion of patients remaining undiagnosed and untreated.1 Gluten sensitivity is estimated to affect 0.6-10.6% of the population.
Celiac disease is defined as an autoimmune enteropathy of the small intestine, caused by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically pre-disposed individuals. In susceptible individuals, gluten ingestion generates an inflammatory reaction predominantly centered in the upper parts of the small intestine. This mucosal injury will eventually reduce the intestinal absorptive area and interfere with uptake of micronutrients.3
Conditions and symptoms associated with Celiac disease
- Chronic diarrhea with weight loss
- Steatorrhea
- Postprandial abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Malabsorption with nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, calcium)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Type I Diabetes
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Infertility
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Sjogren syndrome
- Addison's disease
- Parathyroid disorders
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is defined as gastrointestinal symptoms and extra-intestinal symptoms that are triggered by gluten consumption, in the absence of Celiac-specific antibodies and villous atrophy, as well as any allergy-related processes. Findings from the clinical history, symptoms, serologic and histologic tests are required in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. A diagnosis of NCGS cannot be made until wheat allergy and CD have been eliminated. Clinicians may consider adding the IgE Food Antibody test that includes the IgE wheat biomarker for wheat allergy. The diagnosis of NCGS is confirmed by a food provocation test. The only known antibodies observed in NCGS patients are anti-gliadin antibodies which occur in only half of the patients.
Conditions and symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Aphthous stomatitis
- Alternating bowel habits
- Constipation
- "Foggy mind" or inability to concentrate
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Joint pain
- Skin rash
Testing should be performed while the patient is still on a gluten-containing diet.
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