Gluten-Free Diet and IgA Nephropathy

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• IgA Nephropathy and Gluten
• Gluten-Free Diet Principles
• Essential Components of a Gluten-Free Diet
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction

IgA Nephropathy affects people differently. You may be looking for ways to reduce your inflammation or control food sensitivities through food. Many people with IgAN report sensitivities to gluten and may be diagnosed with celiac disease. They wonder, is gluten bad for kidneys? Or, is gluten good for kidney disease? This article describes the gluten/IgA connection and what a gluten-free diet includes. 

IgA Nephropathy and Gluten

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) is a rare auto-immune kidney disease. When you have IgAN, your body overproduces the antibody IgA, and it clumps together, causing damage to the kidney’s filtering system (1). This kidney damage leads to protein and blood leaking into your urine, causing foam or cola-colored urine. You may also experience swelling in your feet and ankles. Over time, this can lead to damage and scarring of the kidneys. 

Studies in animals and humans have shown that following a gluten-free diet can lower proteinuria, IgA production, and hematuria (2). What has not been clearly shown is whether a gluten-free diet slows the progression of IgAN. A higher proportion of people with IgAN also test positive for celiac disease than in the general population (3). Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where gluten in food damages the small intestine. (4) For these reasons, many people choose to follow an IgA gluten-free diet for their IgAN.     

Gluten-Free Diet Principles

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can be hard for people to digest (sensitivity), become allergic to, or exacerbate a disease (celiac). The majority of people have no problems with gluten. Although gluten is contained in grains, not all grains have it. A gluten-free diet is an eating pattern that omits/avoids all gluten-containing grains, sauces, dips, and beverages of any kind. 

Essential Components of a Gluten-Free Diet

The best place to start when considering a gluten-free diet is to know where to look for gluten. You can look at packages for “gluten-free”; however, many foods are naturally gluten-free and will not be labeled gluten-free.  

This list may be surprising but do not be disheartened. You can read labels for gluten-free alternatives and ask your server for gluten-free options when eating out. One example is tamari sauce, which can be substituted for soy sauce.

Conclusion

Research is inconclusive on whether a gluten-free diet can help all people with IgAN. Every person’s health needs differ, so you must confirm with your doctor or dietitian what is best for you. Join us at the IgAN Foundation for continued support in your kidney journey. 

References

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). IgA nephropathy. Retrieved August 2, 2024
2. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. (2022). Gut kidney Axis in IgA Nephropathy; Role of Mesangial Cell Metabolism and inflammation. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 10, Article 993716. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2022.993716
3. Habura I, Fiedorowicz K, Woźniak A, Idasiak-Piechocka I, Kosikowski P, Oko A. IgA nephropathy associated with coeliac disease. Cent Eur J Immunol. 2019;44(1):106-108. doi: 10.5114/ceji.2019.84021. Epub 2019 Apr 15. PMID: 31114445; PMCID: PMC6526587.
4. Celiac Disease Foundation. (09/26/24). What is celiac disease? Retrieved [date you accessed the site], from https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/