There is much interest in wheat sensitivity in people without celiac disease, many of these patients have been labeled with nonceliac wheat sensitivity. Little is known about any risks associated with nonceliac wheat sensitivity. A recent study published in the journal of Gastroenterology evaluated autoimmune diseases in patients with nonceliac wheat sensitivity and investigated whether they carry the autoimmune antibody (ANA).
The study looked at patients who were given the diagnosis of nonceliac wheat sensitivity, celiac disease and control subjects. The ANA (autoimmune antibody) was measured in 3 groups. The authors concluded from the study that significantly higher proportions of patients with nonceliac wheat sensitivity or celiac disease have autoimmune disorders with positive ANA’s. This data provides physicians with an awareness that patients with nonceliac wheat sensitivity might have an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.
Nonceliac wheat sensitivity remains a not well defined clinical condition. In fact there are some doubts about whether it is a real diagnosis. This study showed a higher frequency of autoimmune diseases, in particular thyroiditis, psoriasis and type 1 diabetes mellitus were reported.
Allergists see many patients who are concerned regarding gluten allergy, many patients may in fact have nonceliac wheat sensitivity. This is relatively new diagnosis that there is not much information about. These are patients who do not have celiac disease or wheat allergy, but do have problems with eating gluten and/or wheat. Although allergy testing may be negative for these patients, this study shows that patients with nonceliac wheat sensitivity may have some autoimmune issues. There is still a lot to learn about nonceliac wheat sensitivity and as more studies come out we will learn more about it.
Celiac disease has been in the news a lot recently http://allergylosangeles.com/allergy-blog/gluten-free-in-the-news/
As always speak to your doctor about any concerns that you have regarding gluten or wheat.