Rates of Self-reported Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity in the Korean Population

Celiac.com 05/25/2023 - People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity suffer from intestinal and extra intestinal symptoms associated with consuming gluten. Since biomarkers for non-celiac gluten sensitivity are lacking, rates are estimated based on self-reported symptoms. However, no data exist on self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population. 

To remedy this, a research team recently set out to assess rates of self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population, and to determine its demographic and clinical characteristics.

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The research team included Ra Ri Cha, Jeong Hwan Kim, Hoon Sup Koo, Kee Wook Jung, Yang Won Min, Chang Hwan Choi, Han Seung Ryu, Yong Hwan Kwon, Dae Hyeon Cho, Joong Goo Kwon, Kyung Sik Park, and Hyun Jin Kim.

Study Methods

Their team surveyed Korean participants aged 18-80 years, who visited gastroenterology outpatient clinics at nine tertiary hospitals in South Korea, between January 2016 and February 2017. The team asked participants about symptoms related to gluten ingestion, including the degree of discomfort, frequency, time of symptom onset, and duration. The study also looked at abdominal discomfort caused by eleven different gluten-containing Korean food items.

Study Results

More than one in three people who self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity also had irritable bowel syndrome, compared with just under six percent of control subjects. The most common symptoms were bloating, abdominal discomfort, belching, fatigue, and headache. Most individuals experienced symptoms within an hour of consuming gluten, and the symptoms were primarily localized in the upper or entire abdomen. 

The study suggests that if people with irritable bowel syndrome experience gluten-related symptoms, the possibility of non-celiac gluten sensitivity should be considered.

Rates in Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity in the Korean population

The study is significant because it improves our idea of the prevalence of self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity within the Korean population. 

Understanding Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity

By studying the prevalence and characteristics of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the research helps to deepen our understanding of this condition, particularly in relation to the Korean population.

Identification of Associated Conditions

The study found a higher prevalence of non-celiac gluten sensitivity among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to the control group. This suggests a potential association between the two conditions. Identifying such relationships is important for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and better management of patients with these conditions.

Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, mainly by providing insights into its prevalence and characteristics in the Korean population, and by highlighting the importance of considering this condition in people with IBS. This knowledge can inform clinical practice, research, and patient management strategies related to gluten-related symptoms.

Stay tuned for more on this and related stories. 

Read more at J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2022; 28(2): 283-290

The researchers are variously affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea; the Department of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine and Digestive Disease Research Institute, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea; the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University of Medicine, Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea; the Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea; and the Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.