Is Celiac Disease Inherited?
Celiac disease has a strong genetic component, meaning it can run in families. Research shows that individuals with first-degree relatives, such as parents or siblings, who have celiac disease are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. The vast majority of people with celiac disease have certain genetic markers, specifically the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, which make them more susceptible to developing the disease when exposed to gluten. However, carrying these genes does not guarantee that a person will develop celiac disease; it is believed that environmental factors, such as early exposure to gluten and other factors like infections or stress, also play a role in triggering the disease in genetically predisposed individuals.
Although celiac disease tends to run in families, it can also appear in individuals with no known family history of the condition. This is because the genetic predisposition is not always passed down in a predictable way. Some individuals may carry the genes but never develop the disease, while others may develop it later in life, even without a family history. Genetic testing can help identify if a person is at risk, but it is not a diagnostic tool on its own. It is essential for individuals with a family history of celiac disease to undergo screening and be vigilant about potential symptoms, particularly if they experience gastrointestinal or non-digestive symptoms that could indicate the disease.
