Cholesterol profile of celiacs and the effect of the gluten free diet

The observation of lower total cholesterol in untreated celiacs (namely, those not following the gluten free diet) than in the general population has been found in a number of recent studies, but the effects of treatment with a gluten free diet on total cholesterol levels had not been investigated.Now a group of scientists from the United Kingdom has investigated precisely that: whether the adoption of the gluten free diet would have an effect on the cholesterol profile of recently diagnosed celiacs. To this end, they studied 100 recently diagnosed adult celiacs (mean age: 51 years old), measured their cholesterol profile at diagnosis and again following 12 months treatment with a gluten-free diet.

Their results show that, at diagnosis, the untreated celiacs had indeed lower mean total cholesterol in comparison to the general population, with men having 21% lower and women 9% lower mean levels. Their investigation also showed that there was no change in mean total cholesterol following treatment with the diet. Moreover, there was a small but significant increase in the mean HDL-cholesterol (the so-called ‘good’ cholesterol).

The authors concluded by suggesting that the gluten free diet has no adverse effects on cholesterol levels. It’s always important to note, however, that evaluation by a nutritionist is essential, and that the results found for a specific country may not be generalized for other countries with different eating habits and culture.

Source: Lewis NR, Sanders DS, Logan RF, Fleming KM, Hubbard RB, West J. Cholesterol profile in people with newly diagnosed coeliac disease: a comparison with the general population and changes following treatment. Br J Nutr. 2009102(4):509-13.

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