Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity both involve a reaction in the body to gluten; a protein contained in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Both scenarios often cause symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea, and both scenarios can only be controlled by a strict gluten free diet; however they involve two different responses by the body to gluten.
Celiac Disease:
An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system responds the the ingestion of gluten by damaging the villi of the small intestine. This damage prevents the absorption of vital nutrients (ex. Iron, calcium, vitamin D, etc.) The intolerance to gluten is permanent, and the only known treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet for life. Even a very small amount of gluten can trigger this immune response.
Untreated, Celiac Disease can result in symptoms like fatigue, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, joint pain, and nutritional imbalances. Additional autoimmune disorders may also present, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Type I diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis,etc. In rare cases, untreated Celiac Disease can also lead to intestinal cancer.
It is estimated that 1% of the US population has celiac disease. Recent studies show that there has been a four to fivefold increase in the prevalence over the past 50 years.
Gluten Sensitivity:
When gluten is ingested by a person with gluten sensitivity (sometimes also called gluten intolerance), similar GI symptoms often show up (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation) but without damage to the intestines. There is much research going on in this field to determine if a person with gluten sensitivity also has an autoimmune response. Gluten sensitivity can differ somewhat from person to person (amount of gluten tolerated, severity of symptoms, lifelong need to follow a gluten free diet).
Testing:
While there are diagnostic tests available to detect Celiac Disease, some researchers estimate that up to 85% of those with the disease go undiagnosed due to lack of proper testing. (For more information on testing for Celiac Disease, please refer to the link with the reference #1 below.)
No diagnostic testing currently exists for the diagnosis of gluten sensitivity. When gluten sensitivity is suspected in the absence of a diagnosis for Celiac Disease or a wheat allergy, the person is asked to remove all gluten from their diet. If they respond favorably to this, they are often diagnosed with gluten sensitivity.
Reference:
1. Brown, Marlisa, MS, RD, CDE, CDN (2013, April). “Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity — Learn About the Differences Plus Counseling Strategies for Patients”. Today’s Dietitian, Vol 15, No 4, P 12. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/040113p12.shtml
Tracey is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Plattsburgh, NY. She enjoys cooking healthy recipes for her family, and loves involving her daughter in the process. On her blog, she shares meal prep ideas, healthy recipes, nutrition tips and even gardening tips (to help you eat more whole foods). Check out her social media sites for more great tips.