Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease Red Flags for Bone health

By Jen Scheinman

Jen Scheinman, MS, RDN is an integrative and functionally trained Registered Dietitian, with over 20 years of helping people improve their health through the foods they eat. Using real food and lifestyle design she helps her clients navigate their way towards optimal health.

If you live with celiac disease, you are no stranger to the impact gluten can have on your gut. But did you know that people with celiac disease can be at an increased risk for developing bone disease?

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where people experience damage to the intestinal lining when gluten containing foods are consumed. Celiac disease can develop at any age and if left untreated it can lead to serious health conditions. For many, symptoms of celiac disease include severe diarrhea, bloating, gas, and weight loss. In children failure to grow may also be seen.

Not everyone with celiac has gastrointestinal symptoms, or they may be so mild that they don’t seek medical care. Other symptoms include migraines, chronic fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, decreased bone mass and fractures, elevated liver enzymes and depression and anxiety.

The celiac disease – osteoporosis connection

Ongoing damage to the intestinal lining from continued gluten exposure can put you at risk for poor absorption of nutrients. Poor absorption of calcium and vitamin D can be a risk factor for developing bone disease.

The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia may be as high as 75% in people who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease. Increased risk of fracture is associated with people who with this condition.

Celiac disease may also impact bone structure due to the inflammatory nature and hormonal impact of the disease.

Gluten-free living

Following a gluten-free diet is important for people living with celiac disease, especially for children. During childhood and adolescence, bones are growing and getting strong for adulthood so eating and absorbing calcium is important for osteoporosis prevention. A strict gluten free diet is necessary for keeping the gut lining intact so the body is able to absorb key nutrients for bone health.

Where to go for help

The link between celiac disease and osteopenia and osteoporosis is strong. Talk to your doctor about getting a bone scan to look at your bone density. They will be able to offer treatment if your bone density is low. A Registered Dietitian is a great resource for gluten-free eating.

Additional Resources

For information on osteoporosis:
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases
https://www.bones.nih.gov

For information on celiac disease and gluten-free eating:
Celiac Disease Foundation
https://celiac.org/