Fragile bone intertwined with wheat stalks, symbolizing the connection between osteoporosis and celiac disease.

Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease: Should You Be Screened?

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncovering the Link: What Brazilian Research Says About Celiac Disease Screening in Osteoporosis Patients"

Osteoporosis (OP), characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk, is a significant public health concern, influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. As life expectancy increases, so does the prevalence of OP, creating considerable economic and social challenges.

Celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, also affects a substantial portion of the population. While it's known that CD can increase the risk of OP, the necessity of screening all osteoporosis patients for CD remains debated.

A recent study in Brazil investigated the prevalence of CD in patients with osteoporosis to determine if routine screening is worthwhile. This article delves into the study's methods, findings, and conclusions, providing insights into the relationship between these two conditions.

The Brazilian Study: Investigating the CD-Osteoporosis Link

Fragile bone intertwined with wheat stalks, symbolizing the connection between osteoporosis and celiac disease.

Researchers in Brazil conducted a study involving 100 osteoporosis patients and 97 control subjects. All participants were tested for IgA-EmA and IgG-anti-tTG antibodies, key markers for celiac disease. Those with positive results were then invited for further examination via gastrointestinal endoscopy and jejunal biopsy.

The results revealed that two patients tested positive for IgG-anti-tTG, and one of them also showed positive IgA-EmA. However, only the patient with both positive antibodies had a duodenal biopsy suggestive of CD. Notably, none of the control group participants tested positive for either auto-antibody.

Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

Low Prevalence: The study observed a low prevalence of CD in Brazilian patients with osteoporosis.
Selective Screening: Routine CD screening in osteoporosis patients in the studied geographic region wasn't supported by the findings.
Antibody Testing: IgA-EmA and IgG-anti-tTG antibodies were used to screen for celiac disease.
Follow-up Biopsy: Only one patient with positive antibody tests had a biopsy that confirmed celiac disease.

These findings suggest that in this specific Brazilian population, routine CD screening for all osteoporosis patients may not be necessary. However, it's crucial to understand the complexities of both diseases and consider individual risk factors.

What Does This Mean for You?

While this study suggests a low prevalence of CD in osteoporotic Brazilian patients, it's essential to remember that CD prevalence and genetic predispositions vary across different populations. The decision to get screened should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your individual risk factors, symptoms, and family history.

If you are experiencing symptoms like persistent digestive issues, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or bone pain, discuss the possibility of CD screening with your doctor, especially if you also have osteoporosis.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engaging in regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial for overall bone health, regardless of CD status. Consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/0004-2730000002919, Alternate LINK

Title: Celiac Disease Screening In Brazilian Patients With Osteoporosis

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia & Metabologia

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Luiza Gusso, Mariana Cionek Simões, Thelma L. Skare, Renato Nisihara, Claudine C. Burkiewicz, Shirley Utiyama

Published: 2014-04-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Osteoporosis and why is it important?

Osteoporosis (OP) is a condition characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. It is a significant public health concern influenced by both genetics and environmental factors. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of OP also rises, leading to substantial economic and social challenges. Its importance lies in the fact that it weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life and independence. The study focuses on this disease and its link with Celiac Disease.

What is Celiac Disease and why is it relevant in the context of Osteoporosis?

Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. It affects a substantial portion of the population. While CD is known to increase the risk of Osteoporosis (OP), the necessity of screening all OP patients for CD remains debated. The implications of having CD include potential damage to the small intestine and malabsorption of nutrients, which can lead to various health issues, including bone health problems, hence the significance of screening patients with OP.

What was the purpose of the Brazilian study?

The Brazilian study investigated the prevalence of Celiac Disease (CD) in patients with Osteoporosis (OP). Researchers tested 100 OP patients and 97 control subjects for IgA-EmA and IgG-anti-tTG antibodies, key markers for CD. Those with positive results underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy and jejunal biopsy. The study's main goal was to determine if routine screening for CD is worthwhile in patients with OP in that specific population. The findings help to understand the relationship between these two conditions and inform clinical practice.

What were the main findings of the Brazilian study?

The key findings of the Brazilian study included a low prevalence of Celiac Disease (CD) in the osteoporotic population studied. The study did not support routine CD screening for all Osteoporosis (OP) patients in the studied geographic region. The study used IgA-EmA and IgG-anti-tTG antibodies to screen for CD, with follow-up biopsies confirming the diagnosis in some cases. The implications of these findings suggest that, in this population, routine screening may not be necessary, but individual risk factors still matter and further investigation should be considered.

What do these findings mean for individuals with Osteoporosis?

The study's results suggest that routine Celiac Disease (CD) screening for all Osteoporosis (OP) patients may not be necessary in the specific Brazilian population studied. However, the prevalence of CD and genetic predispositions can vary between different populations. Healthcare providers should consider individual risk factors, symptoms, and family history when deciding whether to screen for CD in patients with OP. The decision to screen should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. This ensures that each patient receives tailored medical attention based on their own particular circumstances.