Antibodies Higher After 3 Wks On gluten-free Diet!?!

[yogamommytrainer99]

I am truely frustrated... I began a gluten free diet over 3 weeks ago following an antibody blood test which was crazy high and biopsies of my intestines being positive for celiac disease.

I went back to the doc and he retested my levels with the idea being that my antibody levels should have dropped by at least 50%, well they didn't - they doubled!

So, I don't cheat and eat wheat, barley, oats, etc. I read labels, I don't eat processed food. I prepare my gluten-free meals separately from my family's. What gives? Is there something else that could possibly raises my antibody levels? I just don't think that I am getting gluten from my diet!

Anyone have any ideas?

[Lisa]

I don't know the time frame where antibodies would drop after gluten free, but I do know that the Celiac Research Centers recommend that a person consume 3-4 slices of bread (or equivalent) for a six to eight week period.

Perhaps, you doctor has not given your antibody level adequate time to drop.

I would begin a food diary and document everything from vitamins, meds, shampoos, lotions to shared toasters and pot and pans. Shared condiment jars could also transfer gluten. It takes time to master the diet completely.

[ravenwoodglass]

Don't get discouraged it does take a while both to get the hang of the diet and for antibody levels to decrease. Do check everything that Momma Goose mentioned and also be aware that for many of us products produced in the same place a gluten items can be crosscontaminated. In addition you need to check to make sure any product with 'natural flavors' is gluten free. Barley often hides in natural flavors and doesn't need to be listed as an ingredient. Labeling regs for meds, OTC and script as well as vitamins are different than they are for foods. Only get vitamins that say gluten free and then please still read the label. Some supplements will have wheat and barley grass in them but still say they are gluten free. Any scripts need to be checked by your pharmacist and if the drug is a generic it should be checked at each refill as they can change binders at will.

Are you still cooking or baking gluten foods for your family? Baking is especially dangerous as the flour gets into the air and when you breathe it in it will cause a reaction.

It is more common for doctors to wait for 3 to 6 months to recheck antibody levels. If you had a wait before the endo after you had the positive bloods your antibodies may have increased during that time also. I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Gemini]

I am truely frustrated... I began a gluten free diet over 3 weeks ago following an antibody blood test which was crazy high and biopsies of my intestines being positive for celiac disease.

I went back to the doc and he retested my levels with the idea being that my antibody levels should have dropped by at least 50%, well they didn't - they doubled!

So, I don't cheat and eat wheat, barley, oats, etc. I read labels, I don't eat processed food. I prepare my gluten-free meals separately from my family's. What gives? Is there something else that could possibly raises my antibody levels? I just don't think that I am getting gluten from my diet!

Anyone have any ideas?

If the test in question was the Ttg, that can take a lot longer than 3 weeks to drop. The other problem that seems to be missed by many people is Ttg levels are indicative of other autoimmune problems also, not just Celiac Disease. So if your Ttg levels are rising, it could be that you have more than 1 autoimmune problem.