Goals: This study investigates the prevalence of self-reported nonceliac gluten sensitivity among individuals fulfilling Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome in a cohort of young Italian adults. Background: Nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share overlapping symptoms, complicating differential diagnosis. While IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, NCGS is characterized by gluten-induced symptoms in individuals without celiac disease or wheat allergy. Study: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2022 across 13 Italian cities. A validated questionnaire assessed demographics, IBS diagnosis (self-reported or physician-diagnosed), gluten-related symptoms, and adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Participants were categorized as IBS* (self-reported or physician-diagnosed) or no-IBS*, and as IBS*-NCGS* (self-reported or physician-diagnosed) or IBS*-no-NCGS*. Statistical analyses included t tests, Fisher exact test, and ANOVA. Results: Among 5108 valid responses, 819 (16%) met Rome IV criteria for IBS, with 238 (29.1%) also fulfilling NCGS criteria. The prevalence of NCGS was significantly higher in IBS* vs. no-IBS* (29.1% vs. 8.6%, P <0.0001). IBS*-NCGS* individuals more frequently reported extraintestinal symptoms (fatigue, foggy mind, lack of well-being, P <0.02) and neuropsychiatric disorders ( P <0.05). GFD adherence was significantly higher in IBS*-NCGS* than IBS*-no-NCGS* (60.9% vs. 40.5%, P <0.0001). Conclusions: Nearly 30% of IBS patients also meet NCGS criteria, with distinct extraintestinal features. Identifying IBS patients who may benefit from GFD could improve symptom management and treatment strategies.
Brindicci et al. (Thu,) studied this question.