Abstract/Summary

A gluten free diet (GFD) is essential in the management of coeliac disease, as well as several studies demonstrating its utility as a dietary therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of this double-blind placebo-controlled study was to assess the role of a GFD in a healthy population who take a GFD as a lifestyle choice (‘lifestylers’). The results of this study demonstrates that gluten is unlikely to be the culprit agent for gastrointestinal symptoms or fatigue in healthy individuals. A GFD has no evidence base in individuals who do not have coeliac disease or IBS. The public should be discouraged from considering a GFD of their own volition.