EFFECTS OF A GLUTEN-FREE DIET ON SERUM-LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEIN (A) LEVELS IN A GROUP OF PATIENTS WITH CELIAC-DISEASE

The influence of nutrient absorption, caloric content, and diet on lip oprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentration is uncertain. To our knowledge, the re are no reports on Lp(a) behavior in malabsorption. Serum lipids and Lp(a) concentrations were evaluated in 17 celiac patients (5 male and 12 female patients; age range, 1-24 years) when the diagnosis was est ablished and after a 3-month gluten-free diet. Mean total and low-dens ity lipoprotein cholesterol did not show significant change, while mea n high-density lipoprotein cholesterol rose and triglycerides decrease d significantly after the diet. The Lp(a) concentration remained uncha nged in all patients (median values, 35 mg/L before and 40 mg/L after the diet). Our results suggest that, in our patients, the lipoprotein profile was influenced by the gluten-free diet, while the Lp(a) concen tration was not modified.