Myths vs facts: HLA-DQ2 and Müdigkeit

HLA-DQ2 is a genetic marker strongly associated with celiac disease. A common myth is that HLA-DQ2 directly causes fatigue. The fact: HLA-DQ2 alone does not cause fatigue. It increases the risk for celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, which can lead to fatigue through malabsorption, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. However, about 30 % of Europeans carry HLA-DQ2, yet only a minority develop celiac disease. Fatigue in HLA-DQ2 carriers can stem from many causes – iron deficiency, sleep issues, thyroid dysfunction, or stress. A DNA test is not diagnostic. If celiac disease is suspected, serology (tTG-IgA) and duodenal biopsy are required. The evidence linking HLA-DQ2 to celiac disease is human-strong, but the direct fatigue link is mechanistic and varies. Beware of marketing that labels HLA-DQ2 a 'fatigue gene' – it oversimplifies complex biology.