Multiple Sclerosis, Coeliac Disease, and Gluten Intolerance: Is There a Connection?

Written by Zena M

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you suspect you have coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, or any underlying health condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Never make significant dietary changes without seeking appropriate medical guidance.

Exploring the Link Between Multiple Sclerosis, Coeliac Disease, and Gluten Sensitivity

Is Coeliac and Celiac the same?

Yes, coeliac and celiac are the same condition; the only difference is spelling.

Coeliac disease: the spelling commonly used in the UK, including by the NHS and Coeliac UK.
Celiac disease: the spelling commonly used in the United States and by organisations such as the Celiac Disease Foundation.

MS & Coeliac Disease

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system, while coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. Although they affect different parts of the body, researchers have long investigated whether there may be a connection between the two conditions.

Some studies suggest that people with one autoimmune disease may be at a higher risk of developing another autoimmune condition. While the relationship between MS and coeliac disease remains an area of ongoing research, some individuals with MS report improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, and general well-being after identifying and eliminating gluten-related issues.

It is important to understand the differences between coeliac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergies, as they are separate conditions requiring different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine after consuming gluten.

Gluten is a protein found in:

Wheat
Barley
Rye
Some oats that have been contaminated with gluten during processing

When a person with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system damages the tiny finger-like structures in the intestine known as villi. This damage can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients properly.

What Is Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance, sometimes referred to as non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, is different from coeliac disease.

Individuals with gluten intolerance may experience unpleasant symptoms after eating gluten, but do not show the same autoimmune damage to the intestine that occurs in coeliac disease.

Although the exact cause remains unclear, symptoms can significantly affect quality of life.

Possible Connection Between MS and Coeliac Disease

Both MS and coeliac disease involve abnormal immune system activity. Researchers believe that genetic factors and immune system dysfunction may contribute to the development of both conditions.

Potential links include:

Shared autoimmune mechanisms.
Similar genetic susceptibility markers.
Chronic inflammation.
Increased prevalence of other autoimmune disorders in affected individuals.

While not every person with MS will have coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, healthcare professionals may investigate digestive symptoms that suggest an underlying gluten-related disorder.

Common Symptoms of Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

Digestive Symptoms

Bloating and abdominal swelling.
A visibly distended or “bloated belly.”
Nausea.
Stomach pain.
Excessive wind.
Diarrhoea.
Constipation.
Indigestion.
Vomiting.

Skin Symptoms

Some people develop skin-related symptoms, including:

Hives (urticaria).
Itchy skin rashes.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a blistering skin condition strongly associated with coeliac disease.
Dry or irritated skin.

Neurological Symptoms

Because both MS and gluten-related disorders can affect the nervous system, symptoms may sometimes overlap.

These may include:

Fatigue.
Brain fog.
Headaches.
Difficulty concentrating.
Numbness or tingling sensations.
Dizziness.

General Symptoms

Unexplained weight loss.
Iron deficiency anaemia.
Joint pain.
Muscle aches.
Low energy levels.
Mood changes.
Anxiety and depression.

Foods That Contain Gluten

People diagnosed with coeliac disease must strictly avoid gluten.

Common foods containing gluten include:

Grains

Wheat
Barley
Rye
Couscous
Semolina
Spelt

Baked Goods

Bread
Cakes
Pastries
Biscuits
Doughnuts
Pizza bases

Processed Foods

Some soups
Gravy mixes
Ready meals
Processed meats
Certain sauces
Some breakfast cereals

Drinks

Traditional beers are made from barley
Some flavoured alcoholic beverages

Always check ingredient labels, as gluten can appear in unexpected products.

Naturally Gluten-Free Foods

Many nutritious foods are naturally gluten-free, including:

Protein Sources

Fresh meat
Fish
Eggs
Poultry

Fruits and Vegetables

Apples
Bananas
Berries
Leafy greens
Carrots
Peppers

Gluten-Free Carbohydrates

Rice
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Corn

Dairy Products

Milk
Cheese
Yoghurt (unless additives contain gluten)

How Is Coeliac Disease Tested?

It is important not to stop eating gluten before testing, as this may affect the results.

Blood Tests

Doctors commonly check for specific antibodies, including:

Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (tTG-IgA).
Endomysial Antibodies (EMA).

Positive blood tests may indicate coeliac disease and warrant further investigation.

Endoscopy and Biopsy

A specialist may perform an endoscopy to examine the small intestine and take tissue samples.

This remains one of the most reliable methods of confirming coeliac disease.

Genetic Testing

Certain genetic markers, such as HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, are commonly found in people with coeliac disease.

Genetic testing cannot diagnose the condition on its own, but can help rule it out in some cases.

How Is Gluten Intolerance Diagnosed?

Unlike coeliac disease, there is currently no single definitive test for gluten intolerance.

Doctors usually:

Rule out coeliac disease.
Rule out wheat allergy.
Assess symptoms.
Monitor whether symptoms improve when gluten is removed from the diet under medical supervision.

A carefully managed elimination diet may help identify whether gluten is contributing to symptoms.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Speak to your GP or healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent bloating.
Ongoing nausea.
Unexplained hives or skin rashes.
Chronic diarrhoea or constipation.
Unexplained weight loss.
Persistent fatigue.
Nutritional deficiencies.
Symptoms that worsen after eating foods containing gluten.
Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Although the relationship between Multiple Sclerosis and coeliac disease is still being studied, both conditions involve immune system dysfunction and may occasionally occur together. Individuals with MS who experience persistent digestive problems, bloating, skin rashes, hives, nausea, or unexplained fatigue may benefit from discussing gluten-related disorders with their healthcare provider.

For those diagnosed with coeliac disease, a strict gluten-free diet is currently the only effective treatment. Identifying and managing gluten intolerance may also help some individuals reduce uncomfortable symptoms and improve their overall well-being. As with any medical condition, obtaining a proper diagnosis is essential before making major dietary changes.

It may be useful to note, by keeping a diary on:

Gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, excessive wind).
Skin symptoms (hives, itching, rashes).
Neurological symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness).
Whether symptoms worsen after eating bread, pasta, cereals, cakes, pizza, or other gluten-containing foods.
How long have you experienced the symptoms?
Any family history of autoimmune conditions.
Any unexplained weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.
Whether symptoms improve when gluten is avoided.

One important point: if you intend to be tested for coeliac disease, you should continue eating gluten until you have spoken with your GP and had any recommended blood tests. Stopping gluten too early can sometimes lead to false-negative test results.

I have written this article with my own ailments in mind. I have yet to speak with my GP about my symptoms, and I decided to do some research to learn more about what I am experiencing. I have multiple sclerosis and feel I may be adding gluten intolerance to my ever-long list of health issues; however, saying that, I will not let this break me and will use my own experiences to help raise awareness.