Virus infections may be contributing factor in onset of gluten intolerance

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Virus infections may be contributing factor in onset of gluten intolerance

Recent research findings indicate a possible connection between virus

infections, the immune system and the onset of gluten intolerance, also

known as coeliac disease. A research project in the Academy of Finland¹s

Research Programme on Nutrition, Food and Health (ELVIRA) has brought new

knowledge on the hereditary nature of gluten intolerance and identified

genes that carry a higher risk of developing the condition. Research has

shown that the genes in question are closely linked with the human immune

system and the occurrence of inflammations, rather than being connected with

the actual breakdown of gluten in the digestive tract.

³Some of the genes we have identified are linked with human immune

defence against viruses. This may indicate that virus infections may be

connected in some way with the onset of gluten intolerance,² says Academy

Research Fellow Päivi Saavalainen, who has conducted research into the

hereditary risk factors for gluten intolerance.

http://www.aka.fi/en-gb/A/Academy-of-Finland/The-Academy/Releases/Virus-infe

ctions-may-be-contributing-factor-in-onset-of-gluten-intolerance/