My daily search across the web for celiac-related content yielded an interesting article on Celiac.com today. In it, Dr. Vikki Petersen addresses gluten intolerance and depression, citing a study that indicated a causal relationship between the two. She writes:

In a study examining blood flow to the brain, 15 patients with untreated celiac disease were compared to 15 patients treated with a gluten-free diet for a year.  The findings were amazing. In the untreated group, 73% had abnormalities in brain circulation by testing while only 7% in the treated group showed any abnormalities. The patients with the brain circulation problems were frequently suffering from anxiety and depression as well.

While the sampling was small, the potential ramifications of the empirical data are interesting nonetheless. I have always been a proponent of the mind/body mindset, as it were, and this only strengthens that opinion. I will be on the lookout for more information about this possible link.

The article is a must-read for Celiacs, and further proof that a gluten-free diet has far-reaching benefits above and beyond a healthy GI system.

Gluten Sensitivity and Depression – Celiac.com