I rec'd my results and now wondering what this means...I am sure it has been asked before, but can't find it using search command, so please just humor me...

I don't have the Celiac genes, but two! copies of the gluten sensitivity genes (HLA-DQ 3,1)

So, if I eat gluten am I doing damage? Does the test give any indication of damage? I am assuming if I eat gluten continually I can eventually get Celiac's?

And, if I read the results right, each of my kids will have at least one copy of the gene, so should they be gluten-free, too? They are 1 year old and 2 1/2, the oldest is dairy intolerant and cannot tolerate red or yellow dyes. She continues to have "d" and both kids are fairly skinny. She is 26 lbs and he (1 year old) is only 16 lbs. He is also very anemic.

Thanks for all the help!

Hi, and welcome! I have a gluten intolerant gene too, and the gluten intolerance progressed to the point of malabsorbtion, so yes, you must stay gluten-free. If you get your children checked, and they have the gene or positive antibodies, I would definitely start them now. My sons are older and not doing so great with the gluten-free life-style. It is an uphill battle to get them healthy and keep them well, so getting them used to it young, in my view, is much, much better. Take care!

Hey, we must be related, I have the DQ3 gene as well.(Along with the DQ2 gene)

To answer your questions, yes gluten can cause an iummune response in you, and hence damage. The only test that I am aware of that shows damage is the "malabsorption" test.

I've been told that Celiac is a label associated with those people who have gluten sensitive enteropathy, and show through intestinal biopsy, villous atrophy.

IMHO, anyone of us with gluten sensitivity can have the disease be labeled as "celiac" as any gluten sensitivy can result in damage to the small intestine. So, IMHO yes, you could "develop" celiac if you continue to consume gluten.

Genes: Your children are 100% guarenteed to inhereit either the DQ3 or the DQ1 gene, but not both. One comes from you, one from dad.

I would have your children tested ASAP. What you describe seems to me to describe symptoms of Celiac. finding out now, before any lifelong habits are formed, makes the transition to gluten-free lifestyle easier, and eliminates years of damage to all systems of their bodies!!!! I would suggest having their antibody levels checked as well. Having the genetic markers only predisposes you to celiac. The disease may never "trigger" in them, or it may already be active!

Thanks for your responses...I guess if I were to get them tested I would use Enterolab again. Thankfully my husband is open to trying gluten-free food.

One more question...if they each have one gluten sensitive gene is it possible that they will NOT have symptoms or damage if they do not go gluten-free?