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Anti-Gliaden Antibody The anti-gliaden antibody is a substance produced in the body as a result of eating gluten – or wheat. Gluten is known to be irritant to the bowel, causing inflammation in the bowel wall, and occasionally severe damage known as coeliac disease. Most people have a level of tolerance to gluten, in that they can eat so much, but if they overeat gluten it can cause irritation. Whilst most people’s level of tolerance means that they can eat perhaps toast in the morning, sandwiches at lunch time and even pasta at night with no problems, other people have a much lower tolerance, and would develop symptoms if they ate so much gluten. They might only tolerate eating gluten once a day for instance. When this tolerance level is breached, the body produces antibodies – that is substances to attack the gluten molecule. Unfortunately as it attacks the gluten molecule it causes damage to the lining of the bowel, leading to a leaky gut. Who Should Have the Test?The test is available for anyone. It would be particularly useful for:
It could be argued that those with the above conditions should have the test carried out every 12 – 24 months. How Is It Done?The Anti-gliaden Antibody test is carried out by collecting a small sample of saliva. A test kit is provided for you. Alternatively it may be carried out with a blood sample, which will be taken at the Clinic. The saliva sample may be collected at any time of the day, and is then sent in the post. The sample is analysed in the laboratory, measuring the amount of anti-gliaden antibody present. The results are available to us after around 14 – 21 days, and we usually arrange a follow-up appointment in a month to discuss your results. Alternatively results can be posted to you, or we can discuss them with you over the telephone. How Accurate are the Results and What Do They Mean?No test can be 100% accurate. This test is probably as accurate as blood tests for the same antibody measurement. At Better Health we have always approached new treatments, new tests and new therapies with an analytical, scientific approach – are they as good as they claim to be? Currently available conventional tests on gluten intolerance include blood tests, but these are rarely carried out. The test most often used conventionally is a biopsy of the small bowel, which obviously is much more invasive and difficult to carry out. Consequently, testing for gluten sensitivity is rarely carried out in conventional medical practice. What Advice Do You Get?If the results are normal, then there is no evidence of gluten sensitivity. A follow up test would be advisable in 12 - 24 months. If there is a positive test, then it indicates that there is a degree of gluten sensitivity. At best this could mean that you should cut down on the amount of gluten you eat; at worse it could indicate that you have coeliac disease, and should completely avoid gluten life-long. This is rarely the case, as coeliac disease is relatively uncommon. In any case further testing would be advisable, such as assessing nutritional status for evidence of a leaky gut (giving rise to deficiencies in vitamins or minerals). Treatments advised by Better Health include various nutritional, herbal and homoeopathic medicines, and will depend very much on the results of the tests carried out. How Much Does it Cost?The current cost of the Anti-gliaden Antibody is £75. A carriage charge will be additional for shipping to the laboratory. Further charges apply for any further consultations, tests or treatments, and these will be discussed with you fully as necessary. |
0800 980 3447 |
