Abstract
ObjectivesExcluding gluten containing foods from the diet is medically indicated for the management of coeliac disease, wheat allergy, gluten ataxia, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, and dermatitis herpetiformis. However, the number of people following a gluten free diet (GF diet) far exceeds the number of people with an indication for such dietary restriction. It has been suggested that 70% of individuals who are recommended GF diets by complementary medicine practitioners have not had coeliac disease adequately excluded. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic and clinical management practices of naturopaths, Western herbalists and nutritionists (non-dietetic) associated with recommending GF diets. Design, subjects and outcome measuresA cross-sectional 40-item questionnaire was developed and administered online to 145 Australian naturopaths, nutritionists (non-dietetic) or Western herbal medicine practitioners via professional associations and a practice based network (PRACI) between February and April 2017. Demographic data and practice information related to recommending GF diets was collected. ResultsA total of 56.5% (82/145) practitioners reported that in the majority of cases they did not undertake any recommended diagnostic process, and 48% (71/145) of practitioners referred to a general practitioner to exclude medical conditions related to gluten ingestion prior to recommending a GF diet. A total of 10% (15/145) ordered coeliac serology through local laboratories, and 17% (24/145) through functional pathology companies. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity was diagnosed by 56% (82/145) through an elimination and reintroduction diet, and 61% (88/145) used a diet and symptom diary. IgG antibody tests were used by 23% (33/145) of practitioners, and 5% (7/145) used kinesiology prior to recommending a GF diet. ConclusionClinical guidelines for the diagnosis of gluten related disorders are not followed by a substantial number of complementary medicine practitioners prior to recommending a GF diet. Strategies are required to improve the standard of practice in this area.
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