The investigation of nutritional status, intestinal permeability and quality of life in people with celiac disease

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine nutritional status, intestinal permeability and quality of life in people with celiac disease. Method: Study was completed with 44 celiac patients admitted to Gastroenterology Unit of Marmara University Training and Research Hospital. In order to determine compliance to gluten-free diet, 3-days food consumption records, anti-tTg and anti-gliadin values were assessed. Individuals with celiac constitute two groups of study as complient to gluten-free diet (n = 17) and incomplient to gluten-free diet (n = 27). Food records were analyzed in nutrition analysis program. Anthropometric measurements were obtained and body composition analyzed. Blood samples were collected to measure zonulin levels. Health-related quality of life questionnaire was applied. Results: There is no significant difference between energy and nutrient intakes of groups. According to Dietary Guidelines for Turkey, daily carbohydrate and dietary fiber intakes of participants are lower than reference values in both groups, while daily fat intakes of both groups were higher than reference values. Zonulin and zonulin/BCA ratio were found higher in incomplient to gluten-free diet group (p=0,001 z= -3,47; p=0,002 z= -3,10). Anti-tTg antibody and zonulin levels were correlated with complient to gluten-free diet group (r= 0,515; p=0,034). There was no significant difference between quality of life scores of both groups (p>0,05). Conclusion: It was determined that zonulin levels and intestinal permeability decreased with compliance to gluten-free diet. Key words: Celiac disease, gluten, zonulin, nutritional status, quality of life