# Atopy and Other Sensitivities in Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity: Is There an Associated Hypersensitivity Background?

## TL;DR

The study finds that people with non-celiac wheat sensitivity are more likely to have allergies and other food sensitivities compared to those with celiac disease or IBS.

## Contribution

The study identifies atopic diseases and multiple food sensitivities as potential markers for non-celiac wheat sensitivity.

## Key findings

- NCWS patients had higher atopic disease prevalence than celiac and IBS/FD patients.
- Multiple food sensitivities and milk intolerance were more common in NCWS patients.
- Atopic disease and food sensitivities are associated with NCWS diagnosis in regression analysis.

## Abstract

Background: A hypersensitivity reaction has been hypothesized as one of the possible pathophysiological mechanisms involved in non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS). Some studies have reported a high frequency of atopic diseases in NCWS patients. Objectives: This study aimed (A) to define the presence and features of atopic diseases and other hypersensitivities in NCWS patients and (B) to search for possible allergic features which could address a NCWS diagnosis. Methods: Clinical, laboratory and histological data from NCWS patients before the start of a wheat-free diet were retrospectively analyzed and compared to control subjects with celiac disease (CeD) or irritable bowel syndrome/functional dyspepsia (IBS/FD). Results: Atopic disease prevalence was higher in the NCWS patients (32.8%) than in those with CeD (19.3%) and IBS/FD (21.5%) (p = 0.001 for both). Similarly, NCWS subjects reported a higher frequency of multiple food sensitivities (MFSs) (39.8%) and self-reported milk intolerance (SRMI) (65.9%) compared to the control groups (p < 0.001 for both). On multiple logistic regression analysis, a coexistent atopic disease (OR 1.481), MFS (OR 3.882) and SRMI (OR 2.259) proved to be variables associated with the NCWS diagnosis. Conclusions: NCWS subjects have a higher frequency of atopic disease, MFS and SRMI when compared to both CeD and IBS/FD patients. All these conditions could be considered as an expression of an underlying hypersensitivity milieu characterizing NCWS and might be of support in the differential diagnosis between NCWS and functional gastrointestinal disorders, if inserted into a broader diagnostic panel.