Do I need to start a gluten free diet for igA nephropathy?

Shirley Chan
Jan 3
3 min read

If you’ve been scrolling through kidney health forums or searching for IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) diet advice, you have likely seen the "gluten-free" debate. Some claim it’s a game-changer for Berger’s Disease, while others find it unnecessary.

As a renal dietitian running an online telehealth clinic in Australia, I help patients navigate these exact questions. Let’s look at the science behind gluten and kidney disease to see if a gluten-free diet is actually evidence-based for your kidneys.

The Link Between Gluten and IgA Nephropathy

Why is there a connection at all? The theory is based on the immune system. Both Celiac Disease and IgA Nephropathy involve Immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that plays a key role in your body's immune response.

Researchers have observed that some people with IgAN also have undiagnosed gluten sensitivity. The idea is that if gluten causes inflammation in the gut, it might trigger the production of the "misfiring" IgA antibodies that eventually settle in and damage the kidney filters (glomeruli).

What Does the Research Say?

When we look at IgA Nephropathy treatment and nutrition studies, the results for gluten-free diets are mixed:

The Overlap: Some studies suggest a higher prevalence of Celiac Disease in people with IgAN compared to the general population.
The Findings: Small clinical trials have shown that for some patients, a gluten-free diet may reduce proteinuria (protein in the urine) and inflammation.
The Catch: These results aren't universal. For many people, removing gluten has no impact on their eGFR or kidney function. Because of this, global guidelines (like KDIGO) do not currently recommend a gluten-free diet for all IgAN patients as standard therapy.

Should You Go Gluten-Free for Your Kidneys?

If you are living with IgA Nephropathy in Australia, here is a practical way to decide if this dietary change is right for you:

1. Screen for Celiac Disease First

Before you cut out gluten, ask your GP for a Celiac blood test. You must be eating gluten for this test to be accurate. If you have Celiac Disease, a strict gluten-free diet is essential for protecting your kidneys.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms

Do you experience bloating, fatigue, or digestive issues after eating wheat-based products? If you have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, reducing gluten might lower the overall "inflammatory load" on your body, which is always a win for kidney health.

3. Watch for "The Gluten-Free Trap"

Many gluten-free products in Australia (like breads and biscuits) are highly processed. They are often:

Higher in sodium: Which raises blood pressure.
Lower in fibre: Which is bad for gut health and inflammation.
Lower in protein: While low protein can be good, the quality of these processed starches isn't always ideal.

Better Ways to Protect Your Kidneys

For most Australians with IgAN, focusing on a Mediterranean-style diet, i.e. plant-forward diet, has much stronger evidence than going gluten-free. This includes:

Reducing salt to manage blood pressure.
Increasing Omega-3s (found in oily fish and walnuts) to fight inflammation.
Eating more plant-based proteins (lentils, chickpeas, tofu).

Personalized Kidney Nutrition via Telehealth

Because IgA Nephropathy is an autoimmune condition, everyone's triggers are different. What works for someone in an online support group might not be what your body needs.

If you’re looking for a kidney dietitian in Australia, my telehealth clinic provides personalized nutrition plans based on your latest blood results (eGFR, Creatinine, and ACR). We can determine if a gluten-free trial is right for you or if focusing on other metrics will give you better results.