Identifying Secondary Nutrient Deficits Due to Celiac Disease

The Vicious Cycle of Celiac-Induced Nutrient Depletion

Patients with celiac disease are often deficient in key nutrients due to both low dietary intake and malabsorption. Vitamin D has been found to be deficient in 70% of children recently diagnosed with celiac disease. Low serum ferritin levels were found in 34.5% of children with celiac disease and 18.6 of these children had low zinc levels. Folate insufficiency has also been detected in celiac patients. Furthermore, gluten-free foods have been found to be low in fiber, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.

Deficiencies in nutrients like zinc can lead to increased intestinal permeability due to zinc’s role in maintaining the integrity of tight junctions. This increased intestinal permeability can result in dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, which can create a vicious circle whereby celiac disease is associated with nutrient deficiencies and these deficiencies in turn lead to “leaky gut,” which further exacerbates celiac symptoms. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency can contribute to intestinal dysbiosis due to its ability to influence the composition of the gut microbiota.

Clinical Action Steps:

When addressing gluten intolerance and overt celiac disease I focus on the common and patient specific nutrient deficiencies. Clinically it seems most diagnostically comprehensive, to include IgG antibody testing in addition to IgA when screening and monitoring patients. A celiac antibody panel measuring serum tTG IgA and IgG in addition to IgA and IgG antibodies specific for DGP is a more effective way to ensure patients are accurately diagnosed.

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References:

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