Noncoeliac wheat sensitivity and diet

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2020 Sep;23(5):322-327. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000671.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Noncoeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can be suspected after exclusion of coeliac disease and wheat allergy. However, poorly understood pathogenesis of the NCGS, lack of gold standard for diagnosis and agreement in the definition for the NCGS condition, open the space for future investigation. This review aims to give an overview on the diagnosis and effective diet composition in the treatment of NCGS symptoms.

Recent findings: It appears that a diet low in fermentable oligo, di, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) and gluten-free diet play a prominent role in the strategy of NCGS management. Considering available evidence with respect to diagnostic tools, it is challenging to prepare a standard guideline for NCGS diagnosis and treatment with clear cut-offs for symptom reduction/improvement that could directly be translated into test results. Nutritional support, including the use of pre/probiotics, has to be tailored to the individual situation of NCGS patients.

Summary: The exclusion of such components of wheat as amylase/trypsin inhibitors, wheat-germ agglutinins, or free of FODMAPs diet can reduce clinical symptoms of NCGS. The further investigation on microbiota changes may strengthen the knowledge in this area, where the major challenge is to develop biomarkers for NCGS investigation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Celiac Disease / diagnosis
  • Celiac Disease / diet therapy*
  • Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted / methods*
  • Diet, Gluten-Free / methods*
  • Fermentation
  • Humans
  • Wheat Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Wheat Hypersensitivity / diet therapy*