Metabolic Syndrome in Celiac Disease: What Does Following a One-year Gluten-Free Diet Bring?

Abstract

Background:

Metabolic syndrome is a set of conditions that occur together and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have linked a Gluten-free diet to obesity and Metabolic syndrome in some populations. However, others have suggested that weight gain is usually regulated only in underweight individuals with celiac disease. Owing to the lack of sufficient data and the importance of Gluten-free diet in controlling cardiovascular disease, we surveyed the prevalence of Metabolic syndrome and its components before and after a year of Gluten-free diet in patients referred to the main celiac clinic in southern Iran.

Methods:

 This was a repeated cross-sectional study conducted on 69 patients with a definite diagnosis of cardiovascular disease who were on follow-up and registered at the Shiraz Celiac Clinic. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory measurements at the time of diagnosis and one year after the Gluten-free diet were extracted from their medical records.

Results:

 The participants’ mean age was 35.53, and 68.1% were women. The prevalence of Metabolic syndrome increased from 5.8% to 11.6% after a year of the Gluten-free diet; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Waist circumference and serum triglyceride levels were significantly elevated during the study period.

Conclusion:

A Gluten-free dietmay contribute to the development of Metabolic syndrome in patients with cardiovascular disease; however, the rate of Metabolic syndrome is still lower than that in the general population. It is critical to educate patients about these potential risks and encourage them to have a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity.