Gluten Intolerance, Autoimmunity, Nutritional Deficiency, and Bone Loss

[Reesacat]

Also posted in Osteoporosis Forum

Dr. Peter Osborne
June 20, 2012

It is a common thought that osteoporosis associated with celiac disease is a result of malabsorption of vitamins and minerals (mainly vitamin D and calcium). The above report links an autoimmune process of bone loss to gluten sensitivity separate and distinct from gluten induced malabsorption. This finding begs us to ask the questions – Is Osteoporosis an autoimmune process? Should all patients with bone loss be assessed for gluten sensitivity?

If osteoporosis has an autoimmune component, then we have to go back and look at gluten as a potential cause as it is the only known cause for any of the autoimmune diseases. That means that everyone with osteoporosis should potentially be screened for gluten sensitivity. Additionally, we have to consider the possibility that osteoporosis is another manifestation of the “gluten syndrome” AKA – non-celiac gluten sensitivity.


To read the rest of the article go to:
http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/glu...and-bone-loss/

[mellowsong]

Gosh, wonder if this is part of the reason I developed osteoporosis in my 40s AND part of the reason I was able to reverse it after changing diet/lifestyle. Fascinating! The more I learn, the more I know I will never go back to gluten, even to cheat once in a blue moon.

[Reesacat]

Sollyb had asked a great question a couple of weeks ago "What causes autoimmune disease?"....

Dr. Osborne states:
"....gluten as a potential cause as it is the only known cause for any of the autoimmune diseases."

I didn't realize that it was the only KNOWN cause.....

[sollyb]

I didn't realize it was A known cause. Not sure I buy that.

[Reesacat]

If you pull up a list of autoimmune diseases you will see celiac listed.
Here is an example of part of a list from Women's Health.Gov:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/autoimmune-diseases.cfm

Types of autoimmune diseases and their symptoms:


Alopecia areata (Al-uh-PEE-shuh AR-ee-AYT-uh)
The immune system attacks hair follicles (the structures from which hair grows). It usually does not threaten health, but it can greatly affect the way a person looks.
Patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, or other areas of your body


Antiphospholipid (an-teye-FOSS-foh-lip-ihd) antibody syndrome (aPL)
A disease that causes problems in the inner lining of blood vessels resulting in blood clots in arteries or veins.
Blood clots in veins or arteries
Multiple miscarriages
Lacy, net-like red rash on the wrists and knees


Autoimmune hepatitis
The immune system attacks and destroys the liver cells. This can lead to scarring and hardening of the liver, and possibly liver failure.
Fatigue
Enlarged liver
Yellowing of the skin or whites of eyes
Itchy skin
Joint pain
Stomach pain or upset

Celiac disease
A disease in which people can't tolerate gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye, and barley, and also some medicines. When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products that have gluten, the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestines.
Abdominal bloating and pain
Diarrhea or constipation
Weight loss or weight gain
Fatigue
Missed menstrual periods
Itchy skin rash
Infertility or miscarriages

and the list goes on..........

They don't know the cause of things like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis (many theories for causes and triggers).
But they do know gluten intolerance causes Celiac Disease. So I think Dr. O is correct in saying it is the only known cause of autoimmune disease at this time.

[bmc65]

Just had blood taken to check for gluten antibodies. Will this show and intolerance as apposed to true celiac?

[Aaltrude]

Just had blood taken to check for gluten antibodies. Will this show and intolerance as apposed to true celiac?
It may do however it is possible for the tests to be negative even if you are intolerant. The stool test done by Enterolab gives a more accurate indication of intolerance than a blood test does.
http://www.enterolab.com/

[bmc65]

Thanks Aaltrude. Sending off poo samples sounds like good times ::coughs:: I'll consider giving it a try.

[Aaltrude]

I suggest you wait and see what the blood test shows first bmc.
If the blood test does show a positive result, there is probably no need to do any thing through Enterolab.

[mellowsong]

Just had blood taken to check for gluten antibodies. Will this show and intolerance as apposed to true celiac?

Although a biopsy of the small intestine is considered the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease, there are now genetic tests available. If you have gluten antibodies, there is no way short of a biopsy or the specialized genetic testing to differentiate celiac from gluten sensitivity. It doesn't really matter unless you absolutely must know because treatment is the same. Unfortunately, blood tests are notoriously unreliable for detecting food antibodies. If it comes back positive, you have no doubt you have a problem. If it comes back negative, you still really don't know as Aaltrude said. The stool testing is supposed to be fairly accurate, much more so than blood. Keep us posted :)

[Aaltrude]

Even genetic testing doesn't tell you for sure. All it does is tell you that you have the genes that make you susceptible. For instance I have the HLA-DQ8 gene but I am gluten intolerant, not coeliac.

[Reesacat]

The best thing is to go grain and dairy free for 4-6 weeks and see how you feel. Then add back in wheat and dairy and see what happens.

[bmc65]

True. I haven't had problems acute enough to motivate me and the problems I do have are so chronic, they've become a part of my life. I'm working up to it though the psych bubble is growing.

[Aaltrude]

Just remember that if gluten is causing problems, the damage has been accumulating for years and the healing will be gradual. It can take a long time, often years, to completely heal from damage caused by gluten.