Is depression linked to celiac disease?

World Day to Fight Depression was commemorated on January 13.

Several studies have established a relationship between Celiac Disease and the symptoms of depression. On the one hand, some researchers have suggested that incidences of depression are higher than average in celiac patients and that it may simply be due to having a chronic health problem.

However, there is also evidence to support the idea that celiac disease could trigger depression. Damage to the intestinal mucosa impairs the absorption of nutrients. For example. When a person does not absorb enough iron, they can develop anemia, which is common among celiac patients. Similarly, deficiencies of folic acid and vitamin B-6 occur among untreated celiac patients, two essential nutrients for the synthesis of neurotransmitters related to mood and whose levels are decreased in depression.

In summary, gluten may be linked to depression in celiac patients due to malabsorption of certain key nutrients.