Genetics Behind Gluten Sensitivity

Written By: Indus Health Plus Doctors Team

Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Guidelines

Last Updated : 05 Sep 2024

Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity or intolerance is an immune mediated reaction to the gluten a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is an autoimmune condition that affects fairly significant amount of population across various countries. It is also referred as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Some of the common symptoms of gluten sensitivity are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, smelly feces, and abdominal pain etc. Symptoms can begin up to two hours of consumptions of gluten rich food. Diagnosis of gluten sensitivity is very tricky and people tend to ignore for most of the times. Persistent symptoms demands on time disease management.

Genetics of Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity is hereditary and can be passed down through generations. It can be seen in siblings or cousins of same family. Single copy of gluten intolerance gene is inherited from each parent, depending upon copy of gene present you can either develop symptoms or not. Individuals when get exposure to gluten it experience trigger to turn on the DNA. People with severe symptoms cannot eat gluten as it likely to damage the internal lining of small intestine and affects absorption of nutrients up to certain extent. For such affected individuals dietary changes like removing gluten based food solves the problem.

DNA testing for Gluten Sensitivity

The only full proof way to check for gluten sensitivity is to check for the genetic factor with a DNA testing. If you show likelihood of same then you have higher chances of developing intolerance to gluten protein. Genetic testing may save you and your family member of the gruesome stomach aches and can think of going on gluten free diet to save further complications. Without a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, inflammation resulting from immune system over activity may cause a wide variety of signs and symptoms involving many parts of the body.

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