I came across an enlightening article this morning in Scientific American magazine, August 2009 issue, called Surprises from Celiac Disease.
A new study by Dr. Alessio Fasano may reveal means of delaying or preventing celiac disease and offer help for other autoimmune disorders.
The forthcoming August 2009 issue of Scientific American contains a fascinating in-depth article about celiac disease. In this extensive and informative article entitled ‘Surprises from Celiac Disease’, Dr. Fasano announces important research out of the University of Maryland.
A long-term clinical study will investigate the relationship between delayed introduction of gluten during the first year of life and the onset of celiac disease in infants.
“Given the apparently shared underpinning of autoimmune disorders in general, researchers who investigate those conditions are eager to learn whether therapeutic strategies for CD might also ease other autoimmune conditions that currently lack good treatments.”
‘Surprises from Celiac Disease’ examines a connection between the reaction to gluten in those with celiac disease and the onset of other autoimmune diseases. Fasano identifies possible ties through a similar trio of factors that are at the root of the onset of celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions: increased intestine permeability, environmental factors, and a genetic predisposition in patients of celiac disease.
As Fasano explains, “Celiac disease provides an enormously valuable model for understanding autoimmune disorders because it is the only example where the addition or removal of a simple environmental component, gluten, can turn the disease process on and off.”
For information, look in the August 2009 issue of Scientific American online or at your newsstand.
UPDDATE 7/22/2009: the complete article can be viewed here.
Hi Kimberley I’m Hispanic living in Canada, a female doctor told me I was probably gluten intolerant and she ordered the lab test, which became positive, ask your doctor, they look for the antibodies to gluten. Also check on line for signs and symptoms of celiac disease.
Amanda….
Are you white or black? I’m white and have noticed that over the last 3 months my back, shoulders and now my stomach is losing pigment. It looks horrible. You know it’s bad when you go for a massage and the therapist says “oh my”. My question to you is around gluten. Did you try a gluten free diet or did your Dr. make the recommendation? Also do you have any websites that would help.
Thanks…
I have had vitiligo for 40 years, and I would like to tell you, please get checked for gluten intolerance as soon as possible!!!
I just found out and I think that’s what it has been eating my beautiful color all this years, gluten can be a poison for some of us, do not relay on the clasic symptoms, get checked!!!