Trends in non-coeliac gluten/wheat sensitivity: a self-managed problem?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Dietary Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-coeliac gluten/wheat sensitivity (NCGWS) affects individuals without coeliac disease or wheat allergy.
• A gluten-free diet (GFD) is the primary management strategy for NCGWS.
• Recent trends suggest a potential decline in NCGWS diagnoses post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze UK market trends for gluten-free (GF) products.
• To assess long-term GFD adherence in patients with self-reported NCGWS.
• To evaluate perceived GFD efficacy and the need for further medical advice in NCGWS patients.

Main Methods:

• UK market data on GF product sales and shopper insights were analyzed.
• A follow-up questionnaire was administered to NCGWS patients diagnosed between 2006-2018.
• GFD adherence was measured using the Biagi score and compared to a coeliac disease (CD) cohort.

Main Results:

• GF product sales significantly increased from £214m (2014) to £607m (2024).
• NCGWS patients constituted 9.7% of GF product buyers.
• NCGWS patients exhibited significantly lower GFD adherence compared to CD patients (p < 0.05).
• 36% of NCGWS patients sought further medical advice post-discharge.

Conclusions:

• Despite a potential decrease in referrals, a notable percentage of individuals use GF diets for NCGWS.
• Long-term adherence to a GFD in NCGWS patients is suboptimal.
• Further research may be needed to understand persistent healthcare needs in NCGWS management.