Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Allergy & Intolerance

Gliadin IgA

Gliadin IgA complements anti-TTG in comprehensive coeliac disease screening. Including both markers provides a more reliable assessment of gluten-related immune activity.

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.