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. 2020 Apr 17;12(4):1117.
doi: 10.3390/nu12041117.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gluten-Related Disorders

Paolo Usai-Satta  1 , Gabrio Bassotti  2 , Massimo Bellini  3 , Francesco Oppia  1 , Mariantonia Lai  4 , Francesco Cabras  1
Affiliations

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gluten-Related Disorders

Paolo Usai-Satta et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is frequently associated with celiac disease (CD) and nonceliac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS/NCWS), but epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects are still unclear. Furthermore, a gluten-free diet (GFD) can positively influence IBS symptoms. Methods: A comprehensive online search for IBS related to CD, NCGS and GFD was made using the Pubmed, Medline and Cochrane databases. Results: Although a systematic screening for CD in IBS is not recommended, CD prevalence can be increased in diarrhea-predominant IBS patients. On the other hand, IBS symptoms can be persistent in treated CD patients, and their prevalence tends to decrease on a GFD. IBS symptoms may overlap and be similar to those associated to nonceliac gluten and/or wheat sensitivity. Increased gut permeability could explain the gluten/wheat effects in IBS patients. Finally, a GFD could improve symptoms in a subgroup of IBS patients. Conclusions: The possible interplay between IBS and gluten-related disorders represents a scientifically and clinically challenging issue. Further studies are needed to confirm these data and better clarify the involved pathophysiological mechanisms.

Keywords: celiac disease; gluten-free diet; irritable bowel syndrome; nonceliac gluten/wheat sensitivity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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