Can Non Celiac Gluten Intolerance Cause Malabsorption?

[salexander421]

Does non celiac gluten intolerance cause malabsorption? Can anyone point me in the direction of any literature on the subject?

[mushroom]

Does non celiac gluten intolerance cause malabsorption? Can anyone point me in the direction of any literature on the subject?

Here's one reference on the subject, although not a medical journal link: Open Original Shared Link

I don't think much medical research has actually been done on this subject because it would take away the one way that doctors can make money out of celiac disease - the biopsy I don't think they really want to know if mere gluten intolerance can cause malabsorption.

[gf-soph]

Does non celiac gluten intolerance cause malabsorption? Can anyone point me in the direction of any literature on the subject?

I can't help with any research, but I can say the answer is a big yes for me.

I had positive blood work and negative biopsy, and had very difficult to manage iron, B12 and D deficiencies. I had ongoing regular injections for iron and B12 both before and after going gluten free. It probably averages out to 1 injection a month for about 3 years for both iron and B12. My levels would crash dramatically the few times I was glutened early into the gluten-free diet, though I have no idea of the mechanism. It was so bad that I was investigated for Crohn's disease, luckily it was clear.

I found that my deficiencies didn't start to resolve until more than 18 months gluten free. About 8 months ago I started an elimination diet which incorporated the FODMAP diet, and this dramatically improved my digestion. I have only had a couple of injections in the last 6 months, and my iron and b12 levels are steady at a higher level than I ever recorded before, well into the normal range. My D deficiency has also resolved of its own accord. So for me, the gluten damage wrecked my system, and it has taken a lot to recover my ability to absorb nutrients. All this without a positive biopsy!

[Jatango]

I can't help with any research, but I can say the answer is a big yes for me.

I had positive blood work and negative biopsy, and had very difficult to manage iron, B12 and D deficiencies. I had ongoing regular injections for iron and B12 both before and after going gluten free. It probably averages out to 1 injection a month for about 3 years for both iron and B12. My levels would crash dramatically the few times I was glutened early into the gluten-free diet, though I have no idea of the mechanism. It was so bad that I was investigated for Crohn's disease, luckily it was clear.

I found that my deficiencies didn't start to resolve until more than 18 months gluten free. About 8 months ago I started an elimination diet which incorporated the FODMAP diet, and this dramatically improved my digestion. I have only had a couple of injections in the last 6 months, and my iron and b12 levels are steady at a higher level than I ever recorded before, well into the normal range. My D deficiency has also resolved of its own accord. So for me, the gluten damage wrecked my system, and it has taken a lot to recover my ability to absorb nutrients. All this without a positive biopsy!

Occasionally absorptive issues can be caused by (and go hand in hand with) hypothyroidism, especially hashimotos. I don't want to wear out my welcome here, but you have all the standard malabsorptive issues that go along with hypothyroidism as well. Couldn't hurt to check.