Celiac disease is often described as an inflammatory gastrointestinal condition caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other related grains, that can lead to diarrhea, malabsorption and weight loss. While true, celiac disease is also a systemic inflammatory condition, affecting numerous organ systems in the body, including the brain. And for unknown reasons, celiac disease is on the rise.
The worldwide incidence of celiac disease is estimated to be around 1.4% of the world’s population (Singh 2018). And the latest research shows that the incidence of celiac disease is increasing. In fact, the incidence has risen by 7.5% per year for the last few decades (King 2020). The condition is also significantly underdiagnosed, with estimates suggesting 83% of cases have not been identified in the United States (Rubio-Tapia 2012).
Celiac Disease Affects the Brain
As a gastrointestinal diagnosis, celiac disease is commonly missed. Yet even more concerning, the impact of celiac disease on mental health has been virtually ignored. Research has shown that celiac disease affects the brain, potentially contributing to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and schizophrenia among other mental health conditions (Sharma 2021, Arigo 2012, Wijarnpreecha 2018).
These effects are likely due to inflammation, altered neurochemistry and poor nutrient absorption leading to numerous nutrient deficiencies from the gastrointestinal damage associated with the condition (Makhlouf 2018).
For example, deficiencies of B vitamins, including vitamin B12 have been documented. This, in turn, can lead to elevated homocysteine, a toxic amino acid known to cause neurological damage. In addition, deficiencies in vitamin D and vitamin E have also been found. Vitamin D has well known roles in brain health and neurological function (Mpandzou 2016).
Peptides derived from gluten, some of which have opiate activity, also have direct neurotoxic effects on brain cells in celiac disease (Gerace 2017). Autoimmune effects on the central nervous system are also not uncommon. In celiac patients with neurological manifestations, almost 20% were found to have autoimmune antibodies known to interact with the brain, likely causing neurological damage and dysfunction (McKeon 2014).
