Lesson 2: Why Do Some People Get Celiac Disease and Most Don't- Although They All Eat Gluten?
2.3 Environmental factors
Although only individuals who carry the “celiac genes” (Unit 1, lesson 2) can get the disease, the majority of them will never develop it. There must be other factors in addition to genes and gluten that flip the switch and either incite or prevent the immune system from reacting. As early infancy is the most sensitive phase for the “training” of the immune system, research is focusing on environmental factors which play an essential role in the first months of life.
Go to the optional further information to learn more details.
What evidence do we actually have?
Although much research has already been done, we know very little about the true environmental factors which shape the risk for celiac disease. Nevertheless, it’s probably not one single factor but a complex interaction between early nutrition, infections, microbiome and other yet unknown factors that modulate the immune system.
