liverIn a study published in the journal Gastroenterology (April 2002;122:881-888), describes case histories of four patients with liver disease who also had celiac disease. Gluten free diets reversed the liver dysfunction in these cases (one patient did not adhere to a gluten-free diet and the disease progressed until he needed a liver transplant). Two of the patients who managed to stay on the gluten-free diet, maintained good liver function.  The researchers then looked at the prevalence of celiac disease in patients awaiting liver transplant and found that 4% of 185 patients had celiac disease.

Celiac disease is characterized by gluten insensitivity; it damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, gas, fatigue, and diarrhea. It is associated with other immune system disorders—including autoimmune hepatitis. The authors of this study believe that celiac disease should be investigated for all cases of autoimmune hepatitis or any hepatitis of unknown origin.