Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Gliadin IgA
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.
What It 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.
Why It 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.
When to Test
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.
Symptoms
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.
Lifestyle Tips
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.
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.