Gluten-free diet, celiac disease and fertility
What it found
In women with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is linked to better pregnancy outcomes, but in women without celiac disease it does not improve IVF results and may cause nutrient shortages.
This paper pulls together studies in people.
What they found
Studies in people
Celiac disease and infertility
Women with unexplained infertility have about three times more celiac disease antibodies than healthy women. A 2019 meta-analysis found this pattern for TTG and EMA antibodies.
Gluten-free diet in celiac disease
Women with celiac disease who follow a gluten-free diet have the same risk of infertility and pregnancy problems as the general population. One study found more live births after starting the diet.
Gluten-free diet and IVF
A 2018 study of 1,000 fertility clinic patients found no difference in live births from IVF between women with and without celiac disease. It also found no difference between those on a gluten-free diet and those not on it.
Non-celiac wheat sensitivity
Women with non-celiac wheat sensitivity had more menstrual disorders like polymenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. The condition is still not well known, so its effect on the reproductive system cannot be ruled out.
Ovarian reserve and AMH
Celiac disease is linked to lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and a shorter reproductive period. It has not been proved that cutting out gluten improves ovarian reserve.
Other findings
Nutrient shortages on the diet
Gluten-free products are often low in calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron, and the diet can mean less fibre and more saturated fat. Celiac disease itself also causes nutrient shortages.
What the authors conclude
“This diet, although generally safe, can generate deficiencies if not balanced, and may worsen fertility instead of improving it.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say that switching to a gluten-free diet without a diagnosis of celiac disease or another gluten-dependent disease, in order to improve fertility, may do more harm than good.
- They advise patients who consider eliminating gluten to first get diagnosed for celiac disease and to consult a dietitian.
- They say it is unreasonable to screen all infertility patients for celiac disease, but worth considering for those with signs like iron deficiency anaemia, delayed menarche, decreased AMH levels or a family history of celiac disease.
How it was done
The authors wanted to present scientific facts about the link between gluten elimination and fertility, because many women with unexplained infertility turn to a gluten-free diet without a diagnosis.
They reviewed published studies on celiac disease, infertility and gluten-free diets, including a 2019 meta-analysis, a 2018 study of 1,000 fertility clinic patients, and studies on pregnancy outcomes and non-celiac wheat sensitivity.
What it can’t tell you
- The studies on celiac disease and infertility often have contradictory results and small numbers of patients, so they cannot be the basis for recommendations.
- The 2018 IVF study diagnosed celiac disease only by antibodies and asked about diet by questionnaire, so its finding about gluten-free diets applies to the general population, not to women with celiac disease.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Medical University of Silesia, Poland
The paper
- Title
- Gluten-free diet - remedy for infertility or dangerous trend?
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Full text
- Cite
- Krawczyk A, Kretek A, Pluta D, et al (2022). Gluten-free diet - remedy for infertility or dangerous trend?. Ginekologia polska. doi:10.5603/GP.a2021.0223Free full textPubMed 35156701DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error