Abstract
Background: Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS) has recently been included among the gluten-related disorders. As no biomarkers of this disease exist, its frequency has been estimated based on self-reported symptoms, but to date no data are available about self-reported NCWS in teenagers. Aim: To explore the prevalence of self-reported NCWS in a group of high school students and to study their demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: The study was performed between April 2015 and January 2016 in two high schools of a coastal town in the south of Sicily (Italy). A total of 555 students (mean age 17 years, 191 male, 364 female) completed a modified validated questionnaire for self-reported NCWS. The subjects who self-reported NCWS were then compared with all the others. Results: Seven individuals (1.26%) had an established diagnosis of CD. The prevalence of self-reported NCWS was 12.2%, and 2.9% were following a gluten-free diet (GFD). Only 15 out of 68 (23%) NCWS self-reporters had consulted a doctor for this problem and only nine (14%) had undergone serological tests for celiac disease. The NCWS self-reporters very often had IBS symptoms (44%). Conclusions: Self-reported NCWS was found to be common in teenagers, with a frequency of 12.2%; the frequency of GFD use was 2.9%, which was much higher than the percentage of known CD in the same population (1.26%). A greater awareness of the possible implications on the part of the subjects involved, and a more thorough medical approach to the study of self-reported wheat-induced symptoms are required.
Highlights
Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS) was identified as a distinct clinical condition about 40 years ago [1], but it has only recently been included among the gluten-related disorders
A second section covered the presence of symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which was defined in accordance with the Rome III criteria [12], and the participants’ medical history, with particular attention to the occurrence of other gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases, psychiatric and neurological disorders, and allergic conditions
(12.2%) self-reported that they suffered from NCWS; they were 46 females (68%), but no difference was observed between the demographic characteristics of these subjects and those of all the other participants (Table 1)
Summary
Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity (NCWS) was identified as a distinct clinical condition about 40 years ago [1], but it has only recently been included among the gluten-related disorders. It has been defined as a syndrome due to wheat/gluten ingestion which afflicts patients not suffering from celiac disease (CD) and/or wheat allergy [2]. 13% [5,6,7,8,9,10,11], with lower percentages of adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) All these previous studies, but one [5], included only adult subjects and none included teenagers. A greater awareness of the possible implications on the part of the subjects involved, and a more thorough medical approach to the study of self-reported wheat-induced symptoms are required
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
