Additional testing of routine complete blood count may show anemia and nutrient testing might reveal vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Basic metabolic panel may show electrolyte abnormalities related to malabsorption. Liver function tests may be elevated.
Genetic testing for risk of celiac disease may be done using blood or a swab from the inside of the cheek. About 95% of individuals with celiac disease have the HLA DQ2 gene and about 5% of individuals with celiac disease have the HLA DQ8 gene. These 2 genes are present in up to 40% of the population. However, only 3% of these individuals with the genes will develop celiac disease. If the individual does not have these genes, celiac disease is extremely unlikely.
The Dillemma Of Diagnosing Gluten Related Disorders
Gluten antibody testing will help diagnose gluten related disorder if symptoms are related to gluten disease. If gluten disorder is present, the symptoms will get better with eliminating all sources of gluten. One can consider eliminating gluten to see if symptoms get better. However, if this testing is done after eliminating gluten, the antibody levels will decrease and the test may return negative. All tests for gluten disease require that the person be actively consuming gluten daily for 12 weeks to be accurate. Those who wish to be tested for gluten related disease already on a gluten-free diet will need to be placed on a gluten challenge for 12 weeks prior to having the testing done.
Eating Meat From Grass Fed Animals Compared to Grain Fed Animals
Many individuals report that eating meat from grass fed animals as opposed to meat from grain fed animals have fewer symptoms. The reasons for this are not well understood and symptoms may be due to a number of other factors. There is no quality research to date comparing the symptoms in those who eat meat from grass fed vs. grain fed animals. Meats from grain fed animals may be eaten by those with celiac disease Grass fed animal meats may be more healthy and demand a higher market price, Both grain fed and grass fed animal meats unlikely contain any significant amount of gluten unless some is added during the preparation or cooking process.
