Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):
  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Muscle Wasting...


rbeccatexas

Recommended Posts

rbeccatexas Rookie

I've noticed lately that I've been losing the padding on my body. Has anyone else experienced this? I know our disease is a malabsorption disease so I thought this might be what's causing it. I was diagnosed in 2009. What do yall think?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Marc49 Explorer

I've noticed lately that I've been losing the padding on my body. Has anyone else experienced this? I know our disease is a malabsorption disease so I thought this might be what's causing it. I was diagnosed in 2009. What do yall think?

I assume you are female, or I would suggest low testosterone.

There are many causes of muscle wasting. Some have to do with malabsorption, and some are neurologically based.

Certain drugs can cause this as well, including statins.

Your protein levels in blood work should tell you if you are absorbing enough protein or not though.

rbeccatexas Rookie

I assume you are female, or I would suggest low testosterone.

There are many causes of muscle wasting. Some have to do with malabsorption, and some are neurologically based.

Certain drugs can cause this as well, including statins.

Your protein levels in blood work should tell you if you are absorbing enough protein or not though.

Thanks Marc.

Yes, I'm a female. I was just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this due to the Celiac. If it is the norm.

Marc49 Explorer

Thanks Marc.

Yes, I'm a female. I was just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this due to the Celiac. If it is the norm.

I have no doubt that celiac can cause muscle wasting due to malabsorption of protein and necessary nutrients. Just pointing out that a lot of other things can cause it as well.

As before though, if your protein levels in your general bloodwork are good then that should rule out malabsorption I would think. I lost about 10 pounds of muscle myself due to low testosterone that seems to have largely been caused by my gluten intolerance.

My levels have come up significantly since I have been gluten-free, and I am gaining muscle back slowly. I just had my regular blood work done last week and my protein levels were fine,.....about mid-range. I have also been taking 5,000 IU's of Vitamin D3 for a few months now. I was as low as 19, and now I am about 45. I want to be between 60 and 80 for a goal though.

eatmeat4good Enthusiast

I had severe muscle wasting before diagnosis. If it is happening after you have been gluten free for a couple of years I would have the Dr. look for possible causes. Make sure you take your vitamins and that you are consuming enough protein...and that you aren't getting gluten of course. I hope will post what you find out.

rbeccatexas Rookie

I had severe muscle wasting before diagnosis. If it is happening after you have been gluten free for a couple of years I would have the Dr. look for possible causes. Make sure you take your vitamins and that you are consuming enough protein...and that you aren't getting gluten of course. I hope will post what you find out.

Thanks yall. I actually have not been to the Dr since my diagnosis as I have no health insurance right now. I've read on here before where someone was losing the padding on their feet, hands and face. That is happening to me as well. It seems like I have alot more fat on my stomach (bloating) and thighs (losing the padding on my butt and hips). But I can feel the bones right underneith my skin on my arms.

I'm going to try to get on a strength building routine when I start working in a couple of months to see if that helps. Do yall ever crave fat....like fat off of a piece of steak (not the grissel)? I've been doing this for a while now. I know we crave what our bodies need, but my family thinks I'm weird to want this. And I never craved it before. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy with this disease and I wish I could just jump out of my body.

cyberprof Enthusiast

Thanks yall. I actually have not been to the Dr since my diagnosis as I have no health insurance right now. I've read on here before where someone was losing the padding on their feet, hands and face. That is happening to me as well. It seems like I have alot more fat on my stomach (bloating) and thighs (losing the padding on my butt and hips). But I can feel the bones right underneith my skin on my arms.

I'm going to try to get on a strength building routine when I start working in a couple of months to see if that helps. Do yall ever crave fat....like fat off of a piece of steak (not the grissel)? I've been doing this for a while now. I know we crave what our bodies need, but my family thinks I'm weird to want this. And I never craved it before. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy with this disease and I wish I could just jump out of my body.

Even though you aren't craving it, I'd try eating avacados, extra olive oil and nuts, if you aren't intolerant of these. Have you tried flax oil or fish oil - capsules or liquid? These oils are very good and help with the healing. I'm not saying not to eat beef fat, just that these are really good for celiacs.

And are you menopausal? Or post-menopausal? It could be that too.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



rbeccatexas Rookie

Even though you aren't craving it, I'd try eating avacados, extra olive oil and nuts, if you aren't intolerant of these. Have you tried flax oil or fish oil - capsules or liquid? These oils are very good and help with the healing. I'm not saying not to eat beef fat, just that these are really good for celiacs.

And are you menopausal? Or post-menopausal? It could be that too.

I've been craving avacado too. I must need good fat. I'm 40. My OBGYN says I'm not perimenopausal since I get my cycle on the dot each month. Idk, I chalked my moodiness up to diet. So I don't think that's it. Thanks for all of your input everyone.

CarolinaKip Community Regular

I've noticed lately that I've been losing the padding on my body. Has anyone else experienced this? I know our disease is a malabsorption disease so I thought this might be what's causing it. I was diagnosed in 2009. What do yall think?

I loss muscle due to celiac. I didnt know it at the time, but my body paid a high price. I lost a lot of muscle and weight due to my celiac. I won't go TMI, but it was bad! Now being a year gluten-free, I'm regaining some of it back! If you haven't, perhaps look at what you are eating,add exercise, and vitamins. Also check with your DR. Some blood work for what vitamins you are lacking.

  • 3 weeks later...
Neshema1 Newbie

Check out your creatinine levels to see if they are low. As would be the case with muscle wasting. You might want to be checked for mitochondrial myopathy as it can be associated with celiac & muscle wasting, but then agAin so can malnutrition & low protein. Good luck.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - Scott Adams replied to Matthias's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      4

      Unexpected gluten exposure risk from cultivated mushrooms

    2. - Matthias replied to Matthias's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      4

      Unexpected gluten exposure risk from cultivated mushrooms

    3. - Scott Adams replied to Matthias's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      4

      Unexpected gluten exposure risk from cultivated mushrooms

    4. - Jane02 replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,326
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    PattyPagnanelli
    Newest Member
    PattyPagnanelli
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      This is a really common area of confusion. Most natural cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, Parmesan, brie, camembert, and most blue cheeses) are inherently gluten-free, and you’re right that the molds used today are typically grown on gluten-free media. The bigger risks tend to come from processed cheeses: shredded cheese (anti-caking agents), cheese spreads, beer-washed rinds, smoke-flavored cheeses, and anything with added seasonings or “natural flavors,” where cross-contact can happen. As for yeast, you’re also correct — yeast itself is gluten-free. The issue is the source: brewer’s yeast and yeast extracts can be derived from barley unless labeled gluten-free, while baker’s yeast is generally safe. When in doubt, sticking with whole, unprocessed cheeses and products specifically labeled gluten-free is the safest approach, especially if you’re highly sensitive.
    • Scott Adams
    • Matthias
      Thanks a lot for your response! Can you maybe specify which kind of cheeses I should be cautious about? Camembert/Brie and blue cheeses (the molds of which are nowadays mostly grown on gluten-free media, though, so I've read, right?) or other ones as well? Also, I was under the impression that yeast is generally gluten-free if not declared otherwise. Is that false?
    • Scott Adams
      I agree with @trents, but thank you for bringing this up here!
    • Jane02
      Hi @trents, yes I've had my levels checked in Dec 2025 which revealed vit D deficiency. I considered eggs although they only contain about 45 IU vitamin D/egg. I need 2000 IU vitamin D for maintenance as per my doctor. Although now, I likely need way more than that to treat the deficiency. My doctor has yet to advise me on dosing for deficiency. I've also considered cod liver oil, although again, if it's processed in a facility that has gluten, especially on flour form, I worried to test it, even if they have protocols in place to mitigate cross-contamination with gluten.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.