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Is Celiac Disease Genetic?

It might seem like more and more people are being diagnosed with celiac disease and adopting a gluten free lifestyle. Some of this increase is likely due to the increased awareness around celiac disease. This might make you wonder, are there certain risk factors for developing celiac disease? Is celiac disease genetic?

In this article, we will discuss whether celiac disease has a genetic component, as well as other lifestyle and environmental choices that may impact your chance of getting celiac disease. 

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten proteins trigger inflammation in the intestinal tract and other parts of the body. This systemic inflammation can then contribute to the development of autoimmune disease and a host of other health issues.

Some of the key symptoms of celiac disease include the following: 

The Genetic Foundation of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is associated with specific genetic markers human leukocyte antigens (HLA) DQ2 and/or DQ8. If someone carries these genetic markers, they are more likely to develop celiac disease. Since our genes don’t change with age, the genetic risk for the disease remains consistent throughout life. Research suggests that a majority of individuals with celiac disease possess one or both of these genes.

Additionally, HLA-DQ1 and HLA-DQ3 are linked to non celiac forms of damage of gluten exposure sometimes referred to as Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Is Celiac Disease Genetic?

HLA-DQ1 and HLA-DQ3 are genetic markers, which means that they can be passed down from one family member to another. Research has discussed that those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with celiac disease are more likely to get celiac disease as well.

While the incidence of celiac disease is about 1 in 100 in the general population, this increases to 1 in 10 in those with a first degree relative with celiac disease.

However, just because you have the markers for celiac disease in your genes doesn’t mean that you will develop celiac disease. As Dr. Judith Stern famously said, “Genetics loads the gun but the environment pulls the trigger.” Certain environmental factors can influence the risk that those with genetic predisposition will develop celiac disease. 

Learn more about these and other gluten accelerants in this video.

Testing for Genetic Predisposition

Many people may suspect celiac disease or gluten intolerance based on symptoms, and then choose to try to eliminate or decrease gluten to see if it helps resolve their symptoms. However, eliminating gluten before you are certain that you have celiac disease can complicate the results of future tests for celiac disease or other conditions. 

Genetic testing is a non-invasive and highly accurate look at your genes to understand whether you have a genetic predisposition to reacting to gluten. It involves a simple at home cheek swab that is evaluated by a lab. Learn more about genetic testing here, as well as the limitations of other testing. 

Note that genetic testing can indicate predisposition risk, it does not diagnose the disease directly, and that the benefit to genetic testing is to help to determine whether a person may benefit from a gluten free diet.

The Importance of Family Testing

If someone in your family has Celiac disease it is important to get tested yourself. You may also encourage other members of your family to consider being tested. Being proactive about testing can help limit complications from celiac disease and related conditions.

Conclusion

There is a genetic component to Celiac disease. This means that if you have a relative with celiac disease, you are more likely to have celiac disease. Genetic testing can also help to identify whether you and your family are more likely to have Celiac disease. 

Not sure where to start? Take the Gluten Sensitivity Quiz.

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