An article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology has re-emphasised the link between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease, and reproductive issues such as infertility, miscarriage, abnormal semen and low sperm count. It is a well-known association, however it is not yet standard procedure to screen everyone with reproductive issues for gluten intolerance, even though the removal of gluten from the diet improves sperm morphology and normalises hormonal imbalances.
Gluten intolerant women with reproductive issues did not present classic coeliac symptoms, but were generally afflicted with anaemia and fatigue, often with no digestive complaints. Women from Finland, Italy and Israel who were suffering from infertility were found to have coeliac disease at rates of 2.7%, 3.03% and 2.65% respectively, using testing methods strictly for coeliac disease.
Pregnancy can also be a factor that ‘turns on’ in previously non-coeliac women.
Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology
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