Non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS)-a currently undefined disorder without validated diagnostic criteria and of unknown prevalence: Position statement of the task force on food allergy of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI)

Publication

Non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS)-a currently undefined disorder without validated diagnostic criteria and of unknown prevalence: Position statement of the task force on food allergy of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI)

Journal Paper/Review - May 28, 2018

Reese Imke, Lepp Ute, Mahler Vera, Mönnikes Hubert, Ockenga Johann, Otto Barbara, Schnadt Sabine, Szepfalusi Zsolt, Treudler Regina, Wassmann-Otto Anja, Zuberbier Torsten, Werfel Thomas, Lange Lars, Lämmel Sonja, Huttegger Isidor, Schäfer Christiane, Kleine-Tebbe Jörg, Ahrens Birgit, Bachmann Oliver, Ballmer-Weber Barbara, Beyer Kirsten, Bischoff Stephan C, Blümchen Katharina, Dölle Sabine, Enck Paul, Enninger Axel, Worm Margitta

Citation

Reese I, Lepp U, Mahler V, Mönnikes H, Ockenga J, Otto B, Schnadt S, Szepfalusi Z, Treudler R, Wassmann-Otto A, Zuberbier T, Werfel T, Lange L, Lämmel S, Huttegger I, Schäfer C, Kleine-Tebbe J, Ahrens B, Bachmann O, Ballmer-Weber B, Beyer K, Bischoff S, Blümchen K, Dölle S, Enck P, Enninger A, Worm M. Non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS)-a currently undefined disorder without validated diagnostic criteria and of unknown prevalence: Position statement of the task force on food allergy of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI). Allergo J Int 2018; 27:147-151.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Allergo J Int 2018; 27

Publication Date

May 28, 2018

Issn Print

2197-0378

Pages

147-151

Brief description/objective

Within the last decade, non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGS) has been increasingly discussed not only in the media but also among medical specialties. The existence and the possible triggers of NCGS are controversial. Three international expert meetings which proposed recommendations for NCGS were not independently organized and only partially transparent regarding potential conflicts of interest of the participants. The present position statement reflects the following aspects about NCGS from an allergist's and nutritionist's point of view: (A) Validated diagnostic criteria and/or reliable biomarkers are still required. Currently, this condition is frequently self-diagnosed, of unknown prevalence and non-validated etiology. (B) Gluten has not been reliably identified as an elicitor of NCGS because of high nocebo and placebo effects. Double-blind, placebo-controlled provocation tests are of limited value for the diagnosis of NCGS and should be performed in a modified manner (changed relation of placebo and active substance). (C) Several confounders hamper the assessment of subjective symptoms during gluten-reduced or gluten-free diets. Depending on the selection of food items, e.g., an increased vegetable intake with soluble fibers, diets may induce physiological digestive effects and can modify gastrointestinal transit times independent from the avoidance of gluten. (D) A gluten-free diet is mandatory in celiac disease based on scientific evidence. However, a medically unjustified avoidance of gluten may bear potential disadvantages and risks. (E) Due to a lack of diagnostic criteria, a thorough differential diagnostic work-up is recommended when NCGS is suspected. This includes a careful patient history together with a food-intake and symptom diary, if necessary an allergy diagnostic workup and a reliable exclusion of celiac disease. We recommend such a structured procedure since a medically proven diagnosis is required before considering the avoidance of gluten.