Gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity: what is the difference?
Gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity are by no means the same conditions. However, in both cases, you can improve symptoms by eliminating gluten from your diet. To ensure proper treatment and healthy habits, it is important to understand the differences between the two conditions.
Gluten intolerance or ‘celiac disease’ is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. When digesting gluten (a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat or barley), the immune system overreacts. This is accompanied by an inflammatory response that damages the lining of the intestinal wall. 1% of the population is gluten intolerant, and there is always a hereditary component.1
Gluten sensitivity is not an autoimmune disease but an inflammatory disease. This condition is much more common than celiac disease, yet it remains little known. To this day, we still do not know if gluten is the real culprit behind this stomach condition, or if another component of grains, such as wheat, is actually the culprit. With gluten sensitivity, the small intestine is not damaged by eating gluten. Approximately 6% of the population is believed to be gluten sensitive.2-3
Common symptoms of gluten
They are two different conditions, but the symptoms are virtually the same. These include, for example2-3:
- bloating, gas, and constipation;
- brain fog, fatigue, and headaches;
- depression;
- diarrhea and nausea;
- joint pain.
Note: those with more severe symptoms are not necessarily gluten intolerant! Sometimes celiac disease occurs in a mild form, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all.1-3
Gluten intolerance and sensitivity are not allergies!3
Gluten intolerance or sensitivity: making the right diagnosis
It is impossible to determine on your own whether you are gluten intolerant or sensitive. To do so, you must undergo certain tests, and it is best not to follow a gluten-free diet before a doctor has tested you.1-3
If celiac disease is suspected, the doctor may recommend the following:3
- Antibody test (blood draw)
- Genetic test: through a blood analysis, one can detect a predisposition to celiac disease. A negative result can rule out celiac disease. In the event of a positive test, further examinations must be performed before the diagnosis can be confirmed.
- Biopsy: if other tests are positive, the doctor can perform a biopsy to check for lesions in the small intestine, thereby confirming the diagnosis.
To diagnose gluten sensitivity, the possibility of celiac disease must first be ruled out, and the person in question must feel better with a gluten-free diet.3
Gluten intolerance and sensitivity: how to treat it?
In the case of gluten intolerance, a strict gluten-free diet, with proper follow-up by a doctor, is necessary. This allows the intestine to heal.
In the case of gluten sensitivity, you may consume normal amounts of gluten as long as the symptoms are under control.
In both cases, it is best to consult your doctor for an appropriate treatment plan.1-3
Scientific references
Product mentioned in this article
IneoPEP
IneoPEP is intended for adults only and is not a substitute for a gluten-free diet.
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