Celiac Disease

A gluten-free diet in celiac adolescents decreased celiac-specific antibodies, indicating a calming of the immune response. Celiac disease is described as a complete intolerance to gluten. Celiac disease affects approximately 0.5–1% of the global population and is a non-IgE-mediated autoimmune disease triggered by gluten. The celiac disease to depression pathway is the best-evidenced food-mood connection. Celiac disease causes inflammation of the small intestinal lining due to gluten sensitivity, impairing nutrient absorption. Celiac disease produces autoantibodies including tissue transglutaminase 6 expressed in the brain and anti-gliadin antibodies implicated in neurologic and psychiatric disease. Adolescents with undiagnosed celiac disease had measurably low free tryptophan levels, the amino acid precursor to serotonin. Impaired tryptophan availability in untreated celiac adolescents is a primary mechanism driving depression and behavioral dysregulation. Celiac disease is discussed in relation to gluten and gut health problems. Understanding digestive dysfunction includes considering gluten mechanisms relevant to celiac disease. Celiac disease can lead to widespread nutritional…