Some nationalities have a greater disposition to celiac disease. The reason is a set of genes referred to as Human Leukocyte Antigens of HLA. A subset of this group of genes are implicated in autoimmune diseases - including the genes that predispose people to celiac disease.

It’s an easy genetic test: using either a blood sample or a swab that’s been applied to the inside of your cheek, your DNA can be checked for HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. (These are the genes which predict celiac specifically.) Of people with celiac sprue, 95 per cent will have DQ2 and 5 per cent will have DQ8.

It’s not a medical slam dunk though. Up to 40 per cent of the US population carries these genes and most do not develop celiac. Only 2 to 3 per cent of people with the offending genes will develop the chronic condition.

However, you cannot get celiac disease without having these genes present.

The best news is that you only have to do this test once. You either have the genes or you don’t.

Source: New York Times