Genes and Gluten
Celiac disease mostly happens in people that possess one of two groups of normal gene variants called DQ2 and DQ8. People that don’t have these gene variants are at a lower risk of having celiac disease. Studies have shown that over 30 percent of people have DQ2 or DQ8. However, only over 3 percent of people with DQ2 and DQ8 have celiac disease.
Experts are studying several genes that may enhance the risk of having celiac disease people with DQ2 or DQ8.
Eating gluten causes an abnormal immune system response that leads to celiac disease. It is vital to know that not all people with the gene variants DQ2 or DQ8 and consume gluten can have the condition.
Research has shown that among children that are at a higher risk of having celiac disease, those that eat more gluten in early childhood may have greater risk for the condition.
Other causes include;
- Addison’s disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Down syndrome or turner syndrome
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- A family member having dermatitis herpeformis