Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Celiac Disease?

I find this article and study very interesting. I have always had issues with gluten (since I was very little). But, I did not begin to have full-blown symptoms until after the introduction of proton-pump inhibitors after a bout with food poisoning rendered me useless away from a bathroom. :-p Since I always had issues with acid reflux as well, the doctors thought it necessary to put me on acid reflux meds. When that didn't work, they moved me to a proton pump inhibitor (Protonix). Although my acidic stomach did obtain some relief, I was still having issues whenever I ate wheat (then we realized any gluten was upsetting as well). Once I stopped all gluten, however, I no longer needed the proton pump inhibitor.

Did this study determine if a certain brand of medications were involved as well?

Thank you for sharing this information.

I found this very interesting, but wonder if most of the patients didn't have 'silent' coeliac, and that is why they needed the PPIs. Which then unmasked the full coeliac symptoms.

I found this very interesting, but wonder if most of the patients didn't have 'silent' coeliac, and that is why they needed the PPIs. Which then unmasked the full coeliac symptoms.

Jenny, you have expressed my exact question as well. I wish the article had addressed this possibility.

I have had heartburn everyday since I was 15 years old. By the age of 25 I was drinking malox by the gallon. At 30 I was taking Tagamet every 4 to 5 hours. I switched to Priolosec at 35 years of age. As I look back I believe I started having symptoms of celiac at age of about 35 to 40. I was diagnosed and quit gluten at 52 years of age. I went back on gluten for 1 month at 58 and the symptom came back. I would like to point out that I read an article in Sci Am about 5 years ago from a researcher in Maryland. His hypothesis was that a high acidity environment in the small intestines brought on by excessive acid production the the stomach brought about celiac. If that is true then it is the condition (hyperacidity) that impels people to take proton pump inhibitors that actually causes the condition of celiac. To me that is a much more satisfying explanation that that the proton pump inhibitor itself is causing the condition.

I have had heartburn everyday since I was 15 years old. By the age of 25 I was drinking malox by the gallon. At 30 I was taking Tagamet every 4 to 5 hours. I switched to Priolosec at 35 years of age. As I look back I believe I started having symptoms of celiac at age of about 35 to 40. I was diagnosed and quit gluten at 52 years of age. I went back on gluten for 1 month at 58 and the symptom came back. I would like to point out that I read an article in Sci Am about 5 years ago from a researcher in Maryland. His hypothesis was that a high acidity environment in the small intestines brought on by excessive acid production the the stomach brought about celiac. If that is true then it is the condition (hyperacidity) that impels people to take proton pump inhibitors that actually causes the condition of celiac. To me that is a much more satisfying explanation that that the proton pump inhibitor itself is causing the condition.

I have a tendency to agree with you, I have an ulcer, and do to the awful pain, the doctor said to take Nexium. I never had acid stomach problems before my ulcer 5 years ago. Now, my ulcer is back again, and I am having symptoms of celiac disease. I have an appointment with a specialist this time I am getting to the root of my ulcer, something the last doctor did not do. I also have low thyroid, or Hasimotos, which I have read on this website and others that can cause celiac, or be caused from celiac disease. I feel that the Hasimotos is my main problem, though, which has caused the ulcer, which now do to taking Nexium has caused my celiac disease. I just want to share this info for anyone who may be struggling like I have to find a cure.

I've been saying this for years. I did not have any symptoms of gluten intolerance until I was prescribed heavy doses of pepcid (at that time prescription only) which I took for several years. Then I developed a gluten intolerance. I've always thought the two were linked.

I wonder if the decreased acid production and acidity of the stomach acids, leads to less effective enzymatic breakdown of proteins thus somehow effecting how the bodies immune system reacts to proteins. This could potentially incerease the chance for food intolerance (enzyme break down issues), food sensitivites, and allergies as increased proteins and unbroken down food and protein chains showing up in a more complete state where they should not in the GI tract. All speculative on my part.