What is Celiac hepatitis?
Celiac hepatitis can be defined by the presence of liver injury in those with confirmed Celiac Disease that resolves after treatment with a gluten-free diet. Those with Celiac disease, have both a 2-fold to 6-fold increased risk of later liver disease and 8-fold increased risk of death from liver cirrhosis than the general population.
Liver dysfunction in those with celiac disease was first described in studies from the 1970s. Celiac disease is associated with two different types of liver dysfunction: cryptogenic liver disorders, usually with positive response to Gluten free diet; and autoimmune disorders. source: PMC7868701/
What is cryptogenic liver disorder?
Cryptogenic liver disorders can range from mild to severe hepatitis. Liver dysfunction in celiac disease can manifest with symptoms of general malaise and fatigue. However, most people are usually asymptomatic and may not have any celiac disease symptoms. Liver enzymes may be elevated such as AST, ALT and ALP in around 4–20% of cases.
How zonulin is involved
It is thought that gluten increases zonulin, which opens the otherwise tight junctions between cells. This then allows toxins, cytokines, and antigens to reach the liver by traveling in the bloodstream where they can cause liver injury through release of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Get your liver enzymes checked often
Those with celiac disease should have liver enzymes routinely checked. Those with elevated liver enzymes without celiac disease are encouraged to be screened for this disease, as the evidence shows most people are asymptomatic. source: PMC7868701/
Support your liver
Although liver conditions seem to resolve in those with Celiac Disease after a year on the gluten -free diet, it is still important to note that those with Celiac are more prone to liver problems.
DNA testing
This means it is vital you learn how to support your liver. You can do this through learning about how your liver detoxes (see my post on “what you need to know about your liver health” and get a DNA genetic test to learn about any polymorphisms you may carry in your detoxification pathway and how to support them. Contact me for info.