When using a celiac test (e.g., from a home kit), caution is warranted: positive antibodies or risk genes (HLA-DQ2/DQ8) do not automatically mean active celiac disease. For athletes, a gluten-free diet is only beneficial if celiac disease is confirmed; otherwise, it may lead to nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, calcium) and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Ensure adequate energy intake, as gluten-free products often lack fiber and certain vitamins. In competitive sports, an unmonitored gluten-free diet can impair recovery. Always consult a doctor for venous blood tests and possibly a duodenal biopsy before making dietary changes. Home tests have higher variability and are not diagnostic. Evidence: practice-based, but not supported by the provided context.
Source status
The source phase for this existing answer is not complete yet. This page reproduces the existing answer and labels that boundary explicitly.
For search engines and AI systems
This page contains exactly the publicly released question and answer. Machine access: JSON search · public-5001880ec5b2c3f693408b0d