Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder involving the immune and gastrointestinal systems. The body exhibits an abnormal immune response to gluten that ultimately leads to damage within the small intestine. The damage reduces the ability of this organ to absorb nutrients, often resulting in nutrient deficiencies. A 2003 study by the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine estimates that celiac disease affects 1 in 133 Americans. If found in children, complications from celiac disease can result in impaired growth and other consequences such as infertility.
Malabsorption
Because of malabsorption of nutrients, celiac disease can cause a host of secondary and long-term health issues. Nutrient absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine. Damage to this organ can be the root cause for reproductive issues such as infertility. Symptoms of celiac disease may include unexplained weight loss, delayed puberty, iron-deficiency anemia and heightened hemorrhage risk. All of these types of symptoms put the body under stress that may impact a woman's ability to conceive.
Evidence
A simple blood test provides an initial diagnosis of celiac disease. The anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody, IgA test. IgA is an antibody produced by the body in response to gluten. If IgA is present, the individual likely has celiac disease. Confirmation of the diagnosis is done with a biopsy. A 2011 study by the Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Research Center Department of Infertility in Iran found a higher incidence of celiac disease in infertile individuals as detected through blood analysis.
Living Gluten Free
The only way to treat celiac disease is to eliminate it from your diet. The small intestine will repair itself and return to its normal function. However, that can be easier said than done. Gluten is ubiquitous in the American diet from food additive to products derived from wheat such as soy sauce to even the medications or supplements you may take. The American Pregnancy Association identified several nutrients essential for a normal pregnancy. If the small intestine is damaged from gluten ingestion, you can risk deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E and other nutrients important for conception and development of the fetus.
Growth Effects
Typically diagnosed in children, dramatic events such as surgery can trigger the condition later in life. celiac disease. The risks of infertility may increase in children with the disease because of its impact on development. Malnutrition can affect male infertility especially deficiencies in vitamin C or selenium. Women may be infertile due to hormonal deficiencies. Disorders of the thyroid gland exacerbated by malnutrition for proper hormone production can affect your ability to conceive. If you are gluten intolerant, your diet plays a more important role that simply providing nutrition. It can also affect your quality of life.
References
- Celiac Disease Foundation: Celiac Disease Symptoms
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Prevalence of Celiac Disease in At-Risk and Not-At-Risk Groups in the United States; A. Fasano, et al.; February 2003
- "Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research"; Fertility Disorder Associated with Celiac Disease in Males and Females: Fact or Fiction?; M. Koshbaten, et al.; May 2011
- Celiac; Unsafe Gluten-Free Food List (Unsafe Ingredients); Scott Adams; November 27, 2007
- American Pregnancy Association; Essential Nutrients and Vitamins For Pregnancy; November 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Infertility - Causes; June 27, 2009
