DNA Testing Coeliac Disease

DNA Testing Coeliac Disease

The Test is Not Available

Genetic health testing is a physician ordered test in the USA. The physician in question will need to authorise the testing. IBDNA does not provide this test to USA Residents.

Coeliac Disease is a condition of the bowel that affects approximately 1% of all people in the UK. The condition is caused by an intolerance to gluten, which is a protein found in various products and ingredients such as wheat, rye and barley. As such, people who suffer from coeliac disease will be somewhat limited as to what foods and drinks they can consume; indeed, gluten is often used in popular products such as bread and pasta. Although the symptoms of coeliac disease include vomiting, diarrhoea, malformed faeces, stunted growth and swelling of the stomach that are directly linked to the ingestion of gluten, the condition is not a food allergy. In fact, coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack gluten that is present in the digestive system, which typically causes the symptoms mentioned above.

Genetic predisposition DNA testing for coeliac disease is important for families who have a history of the condition. Understanding the genetic characteristics of coeliac disease, for which there is currently no cure, is also fundamental in learning how the condition operates. Whilst a gluten-free diet will invariably resolve most of the symptoms associated with coeliac disease, it is hoped that an increased understanding of the condition at the genetic level will one day lead to a cure. Current research has established that there is a strong genetic predisposition to coeliac disease, with genetic markers such as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 having been identified as key to the condition’s development.

For support and more information about coeliac disease, please visit the Coeliac Disease Foundation website, working for people with coeliac disease and giving them advice and guidelines.

Genetic Health Testing and The FDA – Important Note

Genetic health testing is a physician ordered test in the USA. The physician in question will need to authorise the testing. IBDNA does not provide this test.