Celiac Disease and Sjögren’s Disease: What You Should Know

If you’ve been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease or suspect you might have it, it’s important to be aware of a potential connection with celiac disease. Research shows that up to 15% of people with Sjögren’s also have biopsy-confirmed celiac disease—a rate significantly higher than in the general population.

 Why Do These Diseases Often Occur Together?

While the exact reason isn’t fully understood, scientists believe there may be shared genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing both conditions. Another possibility is a common environmental trigger—gluten is one candidate, though this link hasn’t been definitively proven.

Silent Celiac Disease in Sjögren’s Patients

Some individuals with Sjögren’s disease may have “silent” celiac disease. This means they experience no obvious symptoms, yet still suffer from intestinal damage. In one study, 12% of Sjögren’s patients tested positive for tTG-IgA antibodies, which strongly suggest celiac disease. Interestingly, most of these individuals didn’t report classic digestive symptoms, but biopsy results confirmed intestinal damage in five out of six cases.

Another study from Hungary found five confirmed cases of celiac disease among 111 people with Sjögren’s disease—again, many without noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms. Based on these findings, researchers recommended routine screening and ongoing gastrointestinal care for people with Sjögren’s to help prevent complications like malnutrition and certain cancers.

What About Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

A Swedish study explored whether people with Sjögren’s disease might also experience non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Of the 20 participants with Sjögren’s, 15 reported digestive issues, and eight believed they were intolerant to foods like gluten. However, the study didn’t find a clear link between gluten sensitivity and these self-reported symptoms.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity remains a controversial and evolving area of research. Many healthcare providers are still cautious about diagnosing it, given the lack of definitive testing and understanding.

What Should You Do?

If you have Sjögren’s disease—or suspect you might—it’s worth discussing celiac testing with your healthcare provider, especially if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, skin issues, neurological changes, or digestive discomfort. Remember, celiac disease doesn’t always present with gut-related symptoms.

Important: Always complete celiac testing before starting a gluten-free diet. Once gluten is removed from your meals, test results may no longer be accurate.