Ask YOUR DOCtor
🩸 Can we recheck my nutrient levels (irOn, vitamin D, B12, fOlate)?
Yes — absolutely. These nutrients are often low in people with celiac, especially right after diagnosis. Damage to the small intestine can make it hard to absorb vitamins and minerals. Even if your gut has healed, it’s smart to recheck these every 6–12 months until your levels are stable.
(Source: ACG Clinical Guidelines, 2023)
🔁 How Often shOuld I repeat my celiac blOOdwork?
Your tTG-IgA (celiac antibody) should be repeated about 6 months after diagnosis, and then every 6–12 months until it normalizes. Once it’s stable and you’re symptom-free, annual testing is enough. If your levels stay high, it might mean hidden gluten exposure or slow healing.
(Source: ACG, Celiac Disease Foundation)
👩⚕️ Should I see a gastrOenterOlOgist Or dietitian again?
Yes — especially if it’s been more than a year or you still don’t feel right.
A gastroenterologist can check if your gut is healing properly and rule out other issues (like lactose intolerance or IBS overlap).
A dietitian who specializes in celiac can help you spot sneaky gluten exposure and make sure you’re getting all your nutrients back in balance.
🦴 DO I need a bone density scan?
Most people with celiac should get at least one bone density (DEXA) scan after diagnosis — especially if you’re underweight, postmenopausal, male over 30, or had untreated celiac for years. Malabsorption can cause bone loss and early osteoporosis, even if you’re young.
(Source: NIH, SSCD)
💉 ShOuld I get the pneumOcOccal vaccine?
Yes — the pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious bacterial infections. People with celiac can have mild spleen dysfunction (hyposplenism), which makes infections riskier. The Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (SSCD) and CDC recommend getting it once, and boosters as advised for your age group.
(Source: SSCD, CDC)