Celiac Disease and Sports Performance: What Athletes Need to Know
Description
In this episode of The Genetic Coach Podcast, we explore the connection between celiac disease, genetics, and athletic performance, and why many athletes experience fatigue, injuries, and stalled progress without understanding the underlying cause.
Hosted by Di White, this conversation features Registered Dietitian and nutrigenomics expert Nikki Grant, who explains how genetic predisposition to celiac disease can disrupt gut health, nutrient absorption, immune function, and recovery in athletes.
Through clear explanations and real-world examples, the episode unpacks how specific HLA gene variants influence celiac risk, why symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed in sport, and how genetic insights help athletes move beyond trial-and-error nutrition. From smarter carbohydrate choices to rebuilding gut integrity and managing training load, this discussion highlights how DNA-informed strategies support sustainable performance and long-term resilience.
Whether you are an athlete, coach, or clinician, this episode offers practical, science-backed insights to help you train and recover in alignment with your biology.
Key talking points:
What celiac disease is and why it matters in athletic performance
Genetic predisposition and the role of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 variants
Common signs of undiagnosed celiac disease in athletes
Why celiac is often misdiagnosed as overtraining or IBS
The impact of gut health on energy, endurance, and recovery
Nutrition strategies for athletes with celiac risk or diagnosis
Using genetic insights to support long-term performance and resilience
United States
