Gluten challenge

[Beverley Ann Johnson]

HI, my doctor suggested one week of consuming gluten before blood tests.  I have been gluten free for 3 years.  Has anyone been through this and will I get exact results after one week of consuming gluten?  I don't even know if I can do this, if I get sick I am not sure if I can continue, any suggestions??  Thanks in advance.

 

[Scott Adams]

One week is definitely not enough time.

Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy:

Quote

"...in order to properly diagnose celiac disease based on serology and duodenal histology, doctors need patients to be on gluten-containing diets, even if they are causing symptoms, and this is called a "gluten challenge."

• Eat gluten prior to celiac disease blood tests: The amount and length of time can vary, but is somewhere between 2 slices of wheat bread daily for 6-8 weeks and 1/2 slice of wheat bread or 1 wheat cracker for 12 weeks 12 weeks;
• Eat gluten prior to the endoscopic biopsy procedure: 2 slices of wheat bread daily for at least 2 weeks;

and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day:

 

 

[Beverley Ann Johnson]

Thanks Scott, I hope I am not going through all this for nothing as I was soo sick last night.

 

[Scott Adams]

If your symptoms are that bad, and you are sure that they are caused by gluten, then perhaps you don't need a formal diagnosis? You could just go gluten-free and see if your symptoms improve, and if so, stay gluten-free. I don't want to discourage anyone from getting a formal diagnosis, but unfortunately the only way to get this is to do further damage to your body, which seems counterintuitive if you already know the cause.

[Beverley Ann Johnson]

I have been gluten free and it gets better, I know it is the gluten but the doctor wanted a formal diagnosis, I just can't afford to be sick every time I eat, it is awful and I know it damages my body.  If it means not getting a diagnosis then so be it, my health comes first.

Thanks for the comments, this site is really helpful, great support.

 

[Scott Adams]

Let us know how things go, and I hope your health improves!