Nonresponsive Celiac Disease Treated with a Unique Functional Medical Approach

A 16-year-old boy with nonresponsive celiac disease (NRCD), dermatitis herpetiformis, short stature, and failure to thrive, presented to this Functional Medicine practitioner because he had exceedingly high tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies and poor growth, despite 10 months on a meticulous gluten-free diet (GFD). Immunological testing showed elevated antibody production against multiple peptides of wheat, food antigens, intestinal barrier dysfunction, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibodies, and polyreactive autoimmune reactions. An elimination diet, nutraceutical protocols to modulate the microbiome, address intestinal permeability, lower inflammation, and remove underlying bacterial infection were initiated. Global anti-inflammatory lifestyle modifications were recommended. Within 3 months of treatment, the patient’s tTG antibodies decreased by 14% for the first time since strict gluten elimination. Within 15 months, tTG IgG antibodies were nearly normal at 1.61 (0.03-1.60, ELISA Index). Test results improved dramatically in tandem with clinical progress. On a GFD and after initiating and maintaining these dietary and lifestyle changes, he gained 12 inches and 40 pounds. To our knowledge, this is the first published case of complete reversal of NRCD and failure to thrive by addressing endotoxin and lifestyle outside of a GFD.