Low Blood Protein; Low Igg

[Laura9]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a little over 3 years ago via an endoscopy. The blood test had been negative. Since that time, I have been 100% gluten free (and only whole foods) and my endoscopy recently showed that my villi are "normal." I had this second endoscopy done because I still have intestinal/flu-like issues. Plus, I acquired new symptoms recently - arthritic joints with swelling in the wrists. As a result, I had blood tests done. My overall protein was 6.1 (low end of the scale is 6.3). Because I am an active bodybuilder, I eat plenty of protein, so this level did not make sense. The test narrowed the low end down to globulin. Upon further tests, the components of the globulin were all "normal", but on the very low end, below. Also my IGG was 700 where the scale is 694 - 1619.

I do plan on following up with my doctors, but do not anticipate they will have any answers. My questions are:

1. Are low protein levels just a symptom of Celiac? If so, shouldn't they improve if the small intestine is completely healed?

2. Is a low IGG level a symptom of Celiac?

Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Protein Range

Alpha 1 .22 .22 - .42

Alpha 2 .59 .49 - 1.03

Beta 1 .37 .35-.66

Beta 2 .20 .18 - .50

Gamma .71 .69 - 1.41

IGG 700 694 - 1619

[applegirl03]

I have struggled on and off with the same issues with protein. I think it may just be something that happens. I recently had this test done that you might want to consider. It is called the Metametrix GI Effects Stool profile. The full comprehensive test is like 395$ and normally insurance wont cover it but it is well worth the money. They go all the way down into your DNA and find of how your body is absorbing, if you have any parasites, infections,microbiota, drug resistance genes, microbes that contribue to weight gain, botanical sensitivities, etc. My Mom also had the test done after years of struggling with what she thought was IBS, and they found 2 parasites in her intestines and after 2 cycles of specific antibiotics she has been cured(she like me has celiac and severe food intolerances) I would really consider getting the test because it can give you a better idea of what is going on with you and whether it is something serious, or something that can be easily fixed. I hope this helps and I hope you feel better soon!

[ravenwoodglass]

You mention consuming a lot of protein. Is a lot of that protein from soy? Seems quite a few of us have issues with soy and if you do that could be preventing your body from absorbing.

[Emilushka]

How much protein are you counting as "plenty"? How many grams per day are you eating?

[Laura9]

Thanks for the responses. I have never heard of the Metametrix GI Effects Stool profile. I will certainly look into that.

I do not consume soy as I believe I am sensitive to soy. My protein comes from turkey, chicken, fish and egg whites.

[laura4669]

I have struggled on and off with the same issues with protein. I think it may just be something that happens. I recently had this test done that you might want to consider. It is called the Metametrix GI Effects Stool profile. The full comprehensive test is like 395$ and normally insurance wont cover it but it is well worth the money. They go all the way down into your DNA and find of how your body is absorbing, if you have any parasites, infections,microbiota, drug resistance genes, microbes that contribue to weight gain, botanical sensitivities, etc. My Mom also had the test done after years of struggling with what she thought was IBS, and they found 2 parasites in her intestines and after 2 cycles of specific antibiotics she has been cured(she like me has celiac and severe food intolerances) I would really consider getting the test because it can give you a better idea of what is going on with you and whether it is something serious, or something that can be easily fixed. I hope this helps and I hope you feel better soon!

I agree with this suggestion. I also had this Metametrix test done, and it was the best money I have ever spent on a test. The information it provides is invaluable in understanding how your body is functioning.

[Laura9]

How much protein are you counting as "plenty"? How many grams per day are you eating?

Depends on whether or not I am getting ready for a competition. In the offseason, 1 gram per bodyweight, which is about 150 grams for me. Getting ready for a competition, I increase this to 1.5 grams per bodyweight.