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Gluten-free diet - remedy for infertility or dangerous trend?
Angelika Krawczyk1, Anna Kretek2, Dagmara Pluta3
1Students Scientific Association of Gynecological Endocrinology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. angelika.krawczyk328@gmail.com.
Insights
Celiac disease (CD) is linked to infertility, with a gluten-free diet (GFD) potentially improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes in diagnosed women. Unnecessary GFD may pose risks, highlighting the importance of accurate information for patients.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) association with infertility is debated, yet women with unexplained infertility show a higher CD risk.
- Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the primary CD treatment, with potential implications for reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present scientific evidence on the relationship between gluten elimination and fertility.
- To clarify the impact of CD and GFD on women's reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on celiac disease, gluten-free diets, and reproductive health.
- Analysis of research concerning infertility, pregnancy outcomes, and hormonal markers in relation to CD.
Main Results:
- Women with unexplained infertility have a threefold higher risk of CD.
- GFD in diagnosed CD patients correlates with improved fertility and positive pregnancy outcomes, including assisted reproductive technology (ART) success.
- CD and malnutrition can cause infertility and pregnancy complications; GFD in non-CD individuals may risk malnutrition.
Conclusions:
- GFD is crucial for improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with celiac disease.
- Accurate, evidence-based information is vital for patients regarding CD, GFD, and reproductive health concerns.
- Non-celiac wheat sensitivity also impacts reproductive health, increasing menstrual disorder risks.
Abstract:
Association between celiac disease (CD) and infertility has been a point of consideration for many years. There are lots of studies which present contradictory results. It is accepted that women with unexplained infertility have three times higher risk of CD compared to the healthy women. This finding leads to the conclusion that a gluten-free diet (GFD), as the only effective method of treatment CD, is important to improve fertility. It is observed that women diagnosed with CD and treated by GFD, have positive pregnancy outcomes including better effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Excluding gluten from diet by women without CD diagnosis could bring adverse outcomes, because the risk of malnutrition if diet is unbalanced. On the other hand, some research show that not only GFD but CD is related to malnutrition which could be the cause of problems with getting pregnant or with termination of pregnancy. Regarding CD influence on women's reproductive system, it is not only connected with unexplained infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but also with delayed menarche, early menopause and decrease of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). What is more, non-celiac wheat sensitivity affects the reproductive system by increasing risk of menstrual disorders too. The main aim of this paper is presenting scientific facts about the link between gluten elimination and fertility. It is very important to provide patients with reliable fact-checked information in the context of their symptoms.
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