Journal of Education, Health and Sport (Oct 2022)

Influence of gluten-free diet on mood disorders and symptomps of depression

  • Katarzyna Wicha,
  • Aleksandra Pokarowska

DOI
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2022.12.10.033
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 10

Abstract

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Introduction: Gluten is a complex substance which is a main storage of grains. It can be found in wheat, rye and barley. It is necessary to exclude products high in gluten in patients suffering from such conditions as: celiac disease (CD), wheat allergy or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, nowadays it is becoming more common that people not suffering from any above conditions decide to convert to gluten-free diet. Objective: To assess the influence of the gluten-free diet on mood disorders and symptoms of depression. Methods: We conducted a systemic review according to PRISMA protocol. Databases as Pubmed, Scopus were screened systematically. The final number of studies enrolled in this study is 13. Results: In the majority of included studies a significant influence of gluten-free diet on mood disorders and symptoms of depression in patients suffering from such conditions as celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity was detected. In many cases it was noticed that symptoms of depression in children affected by CD are reduced when gluten-free diet is applied. However, some trials showed that, after converting to gluten-free diet, the symptoms of depression increased or it showed no influence of gluten on them. Conclusions: According to the results of the conducted trials the authors of this article came to the conclusion that it is worth considering gluten-free diet as a complementary therapy to the patients presenting symptoms of depression. Nevertheless, further studies with an adequate amount of participants- the ones that are healthy and as well as the ones that suffer from the gluten intolerance- are essential to define the outcomes of the gluten intolerance on the mood disorders.

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