Self-reported Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity in the Korean Population: Demographic and Clinical Characteristics
- Author:
Ra Ri CHA
1
;
Jeong Hwan KIM
;
Hoon Sup KOO
;
Kee Wook JUNG
;
Yang Won MIN
;
Chang Hwan CHOI
;
Han Seung RYU
;
Yong Hwan KWON
;
Dae Hyeon CHO
;
Joong Goo KWON
;
Kyung Sik PARK
;
Hyun Jin KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2022;28(2):283-290
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is characterized by intestinal and extra intestinal symptoms associated with the consumption of gluten-containing food. Since biomarkers for non-celiac gluten sensitivity are lacking, its prevalence is estimated based on self-reported symptoms. However, no data exist on self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population. Thus, we aim to investigate the prevalence of self-reported non-celiac gluten sensitivity in the Korean population and to determine its demographic and clinical characteristics.
Methods:This study surveyed Korean participants aged 18-80 years who visited gastroenterology outpatient clinics at 9 tertiary hospitals in South Korea from January 2016 to February 2017. They were questioned regarding symptoms related to gluten ingestion: degree of discomfort (visual analog scale score), frequency, time of symptom onset, and duration. Abdominal discomfort caused by 11 differentkinds of gluten-containing Korean food items was investigated.
Results:More non-celiac gluten sensitivity self-reporters were identified among those with irritable bowel syndrome (33.6%) than among controls (5.8%). Major gastrointestinal symptoms included bloating (75.0%), abdominal discomfort (71.3%), and belching (45.0%).Common extra-intestinal symptoms included fatigue (20.0%) and headache (13.7%). More than half of those who self-reported nonceliac gluten sensitivity (66.3%) developed symptoms within 1 hour of food ingestion, and symptoms were localized in the upper abdomen (37.5%) and entire abdomen (30.0%).
Conclusion:Our findings suggest that if there are gluten-related symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome, the possibility of accompanying non-celiacgluten sensitivity should be considered.
