Osteoporosis and Celiac Link Confirmed

People with celiac disease may develop osteoporosis because their immune system attacks their bone tissue, a new study has shown. It is the first time an autoimmune response – a condition whereby the body can attack itself – has been shown to cause damage to bones directly.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh studied a protein called osteoprotegerin (OPG) in people with celiac disease – a digestive condition that affects 1 in 100 people.

The latest research shows that 20 per cent of celiac patients produce antibodies that attack the OPG protein and stop it working properly. This results in rapid bone destruction and severe osteoporosis.

It was previously thought that osteoporosis – a known complication of celiac disease –develops in celiac patients because they cannot properly absorb calcium and vitamin D from their diet. Both nutrients are essential for healthy bone development. The team found that although this new form of osteoporosis did not respond to calcium and vitamin D supplements, it can be easily treated with drugs that prevent bone loss.

The research is published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Bonnie - testing for these antibodies could make a real and important difference to the lives of people with celiac disease. However, as the study showed, avoiding gluten and repairing the gut so that nutrients can be absorbed is essential to preventing osteoporosis.