I Have The Gene

[Guest Haypaula]

Hi, I am having my son (whose father also has celiac) tested this Thurs. and my daughter (different dad) tested next week....what are the statistics for offspring of positive gene carrying parents. Obviously my son is in trouble...but what about with one parent? thanks, Paula

[seeking-wholeness]

Paula,

If I am remembering 7th-grade science correctly, here are the theoretical odds:

Parent 1: TWO copies \ ------> 100% chance of inheriting TWO copies

Parent 2: TWO copies /

Parent 1: TWO copies \ ------> 50% chance of inheriting TWO copies

Parent 2: ONE copy.... / ------> 50% chance of inheriting ONE copy

Parent 1: ONE copy \ ------> 25% chance of inheriting TWO copies

(.............................) > ------> 50% chance of inheriting ONE copy

Parent 2: ONE copy / ------> 25% chance of inheriting ZERO copies

Parent 1: ONE copy.... \ ------> 50% chance of inheriting ONE copy

Parent 2: ZERO copies / ------> 50% chance of inheriting ZERO copies

What I don't know (and I'm not sure the experts know either) is what, if any, difference carrying ONE vs. TWO copies makes in the likelihood of actually developing gluten intolerance. And there MAY be a chance, depending on your genetic makeup and his dad's, that your son might have escaped inheriting even a single copy of the gene! Your daughter most likely has better odds since her father is not known to have celiac disease, but I can't be sure of this. I hope your kids get lucky and don't carry the gene at all!

[Guest Haypaula]

Thanks Sarah. Unfortunately, my son is soooo symptomatic! However, he is 17 so changing diet may not be something he will do until he is on his death bed! My 15 yr. old has no symptoms however my 10 yr old does...crazy! thanks, Paula