Link found between coeliac disease and osteoporosis
A study carried out by a Washington University bone clinic has found that people with osteoporosis (brittle bones) were 17 times more likely to have coeliac disease.
The study, comprising 840 people (266 with osteoporosis, 574 without) was carried out and provided evidence of the benefits of a screening programme. As a result US researchers say that anyone with osteoporosis should be checked for coeliac disease.
Coeliac disease patients commonly have a low bone mineral density and it is now seen that screening would be a positive move, with initially a simple blood test carried out by GPs.
The lead researcher for this study reported that treatment with a gluten free diet for a year resulted in improved bone density in individuals with coeliac disease and osteoporosis.