Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cardiovascular Risk in Gluten-Free Followers Without Celiac Disease in the United States: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014

Abstract

Although being on a GFD may be beneficial in weight management, there was no significant difference in terms of prevalence of metabolic syndrome and CVD risk score in gluten-free followers without CD.

RETRACTED: Will Science Sway Beliefs About Gluten?

“…In fact, large prospective cohort studies, including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, have shown no risk of gluten contributing to cardiovascular disease or the metabolic syndrome. 4,5 Gluten ingestion may even improve health, as suggested by a series of prospective studies showing that gluten intake is inversely associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, likely owing to the increased intake of cereal fiber with a gluten-containing diet. 6 Fourth, going gluten free may affect other aspects of diet and lifestyle.…”

Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Cardiac Risk Factors: Going Gluten-Free, for Better or Worse?

“…In the current issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Kim et al [6] provide the first report addressing the risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in individuals without celiac disease following a GFD compared to individuals consuming dietary gluten. Using large-scale database analysis gathered by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014, the authors report a 1.3% prevalence of non-celiac individuals following a GFD in the general population [6].…”

“…Using large-scale database analysis gathered by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2014, the authors report a 1.3% prevalence of non-celiac individuals following a GFD in the general population [6]. Non-celiac GFD followers in the general population had a significant decrease in weight over 1 year, lower waist circumference, and higher HDL cholesterol levels.…”

“…Hence, a more realistic approach to assess causality would include the conduct of well-characterized cohort studies, based on prospectively collected dietary data with long follow-up to study how the diet changes risk factors and cardiovascular outcomes over time. The current study by Kim et al [6] is an important first step to frame the research question, to put the topic on the research agenda, and to increase awareness of the importance of research into the risks and benefits of the widespread use of the GFD.…”

“…Kim et al [6], using large database statistics, reported no significant difference in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular risk in the general population of GFD followers when compared to those eating gluten. There was a significant association with decreased weight in GFD followers that might provide a long-term health benefit if proven causal.…”