Actually, I think that estimation is too low and it doesn’t take account of all those with non coeliac gluten sensitivity. However, this study does show the importance of checking genes and not just relying on blood and biopsy tests.
Celiac disease (CD) is a multifactorial disorder with an estimated prevalence in Europe and USA of 1:100 and a female:male ratio of approximately 2:1. The disorder has a multifactorial etiology in which the triggering environmental factor, the gluten, and the main genetic factors, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 loci, are well known. About 90-95% of CD patients carry DQ2.5 heterodimers, encoded by DQA1*05 and DQB1*02 alleles both in cis or in trans configuration, and DQ8 molecules, encoded by DQB1*03:02 generally in combination with DQA1*03 variant. Less frequently, CD occurs in individuals positive for the DQ2.x heterodimers (DQA1=*05 and DQB1*02) and very rarely in patients negative for these DQ predisposing markers. HLA molecular typing for Celiac disease is, therefore, a genetic test with a negative predictive value.
I regularly find these genes but I also find other DQ ones related to NCGS. Just because the DQ2 and DQ8 aren’t present, does not mean you can’t have some form of gluten sensitivity; it’s just that those particular ones are linked to coeliac disease specifically.
We haven’t linked the other genes yet in mainstream medicine although some experts believe that DQ1 and DQ3 are very much related to neurological, hyper-sensitivity and skin diseases linked to gluten – the non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. And that’s why my advice is always to look at all the DQ genes and not just the DQ2 and 8 looked for in mainstream medicine for ruling coeliac disease in or out.
Personally, I have a DQ8 (the DQB1*03:02 mentioned above) and a DQ1 so assume I have the potential for coeliac disease (which my malabsorption problems are no doubt related to) and have neurological (migraine), skin (eczema, skin splitting, recurrent infections) and hyper-sensitivity (multiple food intolerance) related to the DQ1.
What have you got? Here’s the full gene test and more on gluten tests generally.
Source: FoodsMatter.com gluten forum