Dr. Schär Institute

The focus of the 3rd and most recent international expert meeting was the development of a standardised diagnostic protocol. The method aims to confirm the diagnosis of NCGS using a uniform two-stage dietary process.

Since there are still no biomarkers available to support the diagnosis of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), the focus of recent expert meetings has been the subject of diagnosis. The healthcare professionals, scientists and nutrition experts present concluded that standardised dietary procedures are the current recommended diagnostic tool of choice. They developed a diagnostic protocol that can be used both for diagnostic purposes in medical practice and for more detailed research into NCGS in clinical studies.

Two-stage diagnostic protocol
The two-stage procedure for confirming NCGS stipulates that the response to a gluten-free diet should be assessed and the effect of the reintroduction of gluten should be measured. Before starting the dietary procedure, the patient should follow a normal diet, i.e. one containing gluten. A questionnaire to be completed by the patient includes a modified version of the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), which makes it possible to assess common gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, it also lists extraintestinal symptoms, which too should be assessed according to their severity on a scale of 1 to 10.

For further information and to view Expert Meeting reports, please click HERE