Allergy & Intolerance

Gliadin IgA Test

Gliadin IgA is part of coeliac disease screening. For women, undiagnosed coeliac disease may contribute to iron deficiency, recurrent miscarriage, and reduced bone density — making early detection valuable.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Gliadin IgA: what this test measures

This test measures IgA antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP) in your blood. Modern assays use deamidated gliadin rather than native gliadin, offering improved specificity for coeliac disease detection.

Gliadin IgA: why this value matters

Gliadin IgA complements anti-TTG testing in coeliac disease screening. It is especially valuable in children under 2 years of age and in cases where IgA-based tests need corroboration. A positive result supports further coeliac evaluation.

Gliadin IgA: how to prepare

Preferably keep eating gluten
Recommended

This test is only reliable if you ate gluten normally for the 6 weeks before.

Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Gliadin IgA: when is testing worthwhile?

Consider this test as part of a coeliac disease evaluation, especially in young children or when other coeliac markers give equivocal results. You must be consuming gluten regularly before testing.

Gliadin IgA: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low or undetectable gliadin IgA levels are considered normal and suggest that an immune response to gluten is unlikely, provided you were consuming gluten at the time of testing.

High Levels

Elevated gliadin IgA may indicate an immune response to gluten and could suggest coeliac disease. Associated symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Further evaluation including anti-TTG and potentially biopsy is typically recommended.

Gliadin IgA: lifestyle and this value

If coeliac disease is confirmed, strict gluten avoidance is required. If testing is pending, continue eating gluten to ensure accurate results. A dietitian can help plan a nutritionally complete gluten-free diet after diagnosis.

Gliadin IgA: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gliadin and tissue transglutaminase antibodies?

Gliadin antibodies target the gluten protein directly, while anti-TTG targets an enzyme involved in tissue repair. Both are elevated in coeliac disease but measure different aspects of the immune response.

Why is this test especially useful in young children?

Children under 2 may not yet produce reliable levels of anti-TTG antibodies. Gliadin IgA (especially deamidated gliadin peptide) tends to appear earlier and is more sensitive in this age group.

Can I be gluten-sensitive without having coeliac disease?

Yes. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is a recognised condition where gluten causes symptoms without the immune damage seen in coeliac disease. However, coeliac disease should be excluded first.

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