Conditions that benefit from a gluten free diet for Fertility - NCGS
Article 2 of 5 on conditions that benefit from a gluten free diet for fertility – Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
By Sally Marchini APD and Certified Fertility Dietitian
A gluten-free diet is essential for individuals with certain health conditions, but did you know that some of these conditions are also linked to fertility issues? As is a nutritionally poor gluten free diet, so just going ‘gluten free’ will not help.
Many people struggle with infertility without realising that an underlying health issue—often one that necessitates a gluten-free diet—could be contributing to their difficulties conceiving. This series of articles explore the key conditions that require a gluten-free diet or may benefit from a gluten free diet, and how they may impact fertility.
We’ve already looked at coeliac disease. In this article we’ll cover Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), and then go on to look at Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and gluten sensitivity, and last but not least Endometriosis and gluten sensitivity.
Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and Fertility
Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is a condition in which individuals experience symptoms similar to those of coeliac disease, but without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage seen in coeliac disease. Though research on NCGS and fertility is still emerging, some evidence suggests that it may contribute to reproductive challenges.
How NCGS May Affect Fertility:
- Chronic Inflammation: NCGS can lead to systemic inflammation, which is known to disrupt hormonal balance and impair egg and sperm quality. Diet plays a large role in helping to manage chronic inflammation, so diet quality is critical.
- Digestive and Gut Health Issues: Poor gut health has been linked to conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, which can cause immune reactions that may interfere with fertility. We know that a gluten free diet can cause altered gut microbiome, and this is easily managed by ensuring a well-balanced diet.
If you would like to discuss any elements of this article with me to see if a high quality gluten free diet may be helpful for you to improve your condition and/or your fertility chances, then please send me a personal message and I will be pleased to help you to work through your concerns.
Accredited Practising Dietitian and Certified Fertility Dietitian, Sally Marchini of Marchini Nutrition, has type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease herself and is passionate about supporting others with these and other chronic conditions. You can follow her on her Instagram account @Marchini.Nutrition and Facebook page Marchini Nutrition,
References
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- Caron, P., et al. (2016). Coeliac disease and autoimmune thyroid diseases. *Endocrine*, 54(3), 394–403.
- Casella, S., et al. (2018). Coeliac disease and reproductive disorders: Meta-analysis of epidemiologic associations and potential pathogenic mechanisms. *Human Reproduction Update*, 24(4), 479–488.
- de Souza, A., et al. (2018). Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity: An emerging problem? *Clinical Nutrition*, 37(6), 3858–3864.
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- Mansournia, N., et al. (2020). The effect of gluten-free diet on autoimmune thyroiditis: A review. *Journal of Clinical Research in Thyroid Disease*, 7(2), 45–52
- Brouns, F. et al (2023). Diet associations in endometriosis: a critical narrative assessment with special reference to gluten *Frontiers in Nutrition*
- Schwartz, N. et al (2022). Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, Fiber, and Gluten Intake and Risk of Laparoscopically-Confirmed Endometriosis in Premenopausal Women *The Journal of nutrition*
- Goncalves, M., et al (2021) Analysis of non-celiac gluten sensitivity in patients with endometriosis. *Brazilian Journal of Development*
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- Giulienny, M.A.G. et al. (2021) Analysis of non-celiac gluten sensitivity in patients with endometriosis. *Brazilian Journal of Development*
- Armour, M. et al (2021) Dietary practices of women with endometriosis: a cross sectional survey. * Journal of alternative and complementary medicine*
