Tag: Gluten free diet risks

A 2022 review of multiple studies suggests a correlation between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and celiac disease, indicating that while gluten is not bad for every child with ADHD, a higher percentage of kids with celiac disease also have an ADHD diagnosis. This sheds light on why some, but not all, children might see improvements when gluten is removed from their diet.

According to the National Institutes of Health, while a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity for individuals with celiac disease, many people without this condition are choosing to eliminate gluten. Yet, what are the side effects of going gluten-free, and what are the potential risks for your health if not managed correctly?

According to a 2019 study, many gluten-free products contained lower levels of key micronutrients compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. While essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the pros and cons of gluten-free flour reveal significant downsides for the average consumer.

Recent studies suggest that following a gluten-free diet without a medical indication may not provide any health benefits for most people. For those without a diagnosed gluten sensitivity, an improperly managed gluten-free diet can cause problems and introduce a host of unintended health consequences.

According to a 2014 CDC report, 72% of people in the U.S. who follow a gluten-free diet have neither celiac disease nor gluten sensitivity. This trend has prompted a critical look into whether eliminating gluten can be harmful for those without a medical need.

While celiac disease, an autoimmune condition requiring a strict gluten-free diet, affects around 1% of the population, a much higher percentage follows this diet without a medical diagnosis. Many doctors are against a gluten-free diet as a general wellness trend due to significant health drawbacks for those without a medical need.