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

Abstract

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.