Randomised clinical trial: gluten may cause depression in subjects with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity - an exploratory clinical study
Peters SL, Biesiekierski JR, Yelland GW, Muir JG, Gibson PR. (2014) Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 39(10) 1104-12. doi: 10.1111/apt.12730. Epub 2014 Apr 1.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:
Current evidence suggests that many patients with self-reported non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) retain gastrointestinal symptoms on a gluten-free diet (GFD) but continue to restrict gluten as they report 'feeling better'.
AIM:
To investigate the notion that a major effect of gluten in those with NCGS is on mental state and not necessarily on gastrointestinal symptoms.
METHODS:
Twenty-two subjects (24-62 years, five male) with irritable bowel syndrome who had coeliac disease excluded but were symptomatically controlled on a GFD, undertook a double-blind cross-over study. Participants randomly received one of three dietary challenges for 3 days, followed by a minimum 3-day washout before crossing over to the next diet. Challenge gluten-free food was supplemented with gluten (16 g/day), whey (16 g/day) or not supplemented (placebo). End-points included mental state as assessed by the Spielberger State Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), cortisol secretion and gastrointestinal symptoms.
RESULTS:
Gluten ingestion was associated with higher overall STPI state depression scores compared to placebo (M = 2.03, 95% CI (0.55-3.51), P = 0.010) but not whey (M = 1.48, 95% CI (-0.14 to 3.10), P = 0.07). No differences were found for other STPI state indices or for any STPI trait measures. No difference in cortisol secretion was identified between challenges. Gastrointestinal symptoms were induced similarly across all dietary challenges.
CONCLUSIONS:
Short-term exposure to gluten specifically induced current feelings of depression with no effect on other indices or on emotional disposition. Gluten-specific induction of gastrointestinal symptoms was not identified. Such findings might explain why patients with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity feel better on a gluten-free diet despite the continuation of gastrointestinal symptoms.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:
Gluten, found in wheat and many other grains, is the primary cause of coeliac disease (CD) This is an auto-immune disorder that damages the gut lining, and affects around 1% of the general population (but often goes undiagnosed).Many more people who do NOT have coeliac disease report benefits from a gluten-free diet - a condition known as non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. In some cases, these benefits include improvements in mood, concentration and other aspects of brain function.
Until recently, however, good evidence that gluten might actually contribute to depressive symptoms in some individuals has been lacking. This randomised controlled treatment trial provides the first such evidence.
Participants were patients with irritable bowel syndrome (screened to check that they did NOT have coeliac disease), who were following a gluten-free diet. Consuming gluten for just 3 days, compared with placebo, led to a significant increase in depressive symptoms.
This study shows that in some people, gluten can cause mental rather than physical symptoms.
See also:
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