Effects of a Gluten Free Diet on Cardiovascular Health

Abstract Background: Implementing fad diets without the knowledge about actual health costs or benefits of the diet has become common practice. One diet being utilized that needs more research done is the gluten free diet (GFD). Individuals with celiac disease (CD) need to implement a GFD. However, individuals without celiac disease may not benefit from a gluten free diet at all. Objective: The purpose of the integrative literature review is to investigate what research has been conducted regarding the effects of a gluten free diet on individuals without celiac disease, especially in relation to cardiovascular health. Methods: Multiple databases were searched for relevant articles. This integrative literature review used the data matrix method. This method was made by Judith Garrard as a way to take multiple sources of data and organize them in a coherent and organized manner. Conclusion: This literature review seeks to provide a clear picture of how a gluten free diet can impact cardiovascular health in individuals without celiac disease in order to educate the population on proper uses for a gluten free diet. Keywords: celiac disease, gluten free diet, fad diet, cardiovascular, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery diseas