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QUESTION: I have been on a gluten free diet for over 2 years and went to a gastroenterologist yesterday and he wants me to eat the equivalent of a half a slice of bread every day for 2 months and then test me for Celiac disease. I am concerned since I had so many headaches and diarrhea before going gluten free. I was diagnose with osteoporosis last year and my Z score indicated a underlying condition because my score was bad for a woman of my age (46) so my Osteoporosis specialist sent me to the gastroenteroligist. Any advice?

DR. FINE: There is no reason to eat gluten, and I never recommend it. You know you are better gluten free, just stay so. The stool test I have developed and offer at Enterolab.com does not change rapidly so that 2 years being gluten free may still be positive. Also, a gene test would not be affected by gluten-free diet.

These types of so-called "gluten challenges" are very unpredictable and should be abandoned entirely since we have other methods to rely on these days.

The only other check up you might want to consider is a malabsorption test on the gluten free diet, which is totally noninvasive. It will confirm that your intestine has regained its full function, and that there is no lack of pancreatic enzymes.

Good luck to you. Thanks for asking before eating the prescribed gluten.

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