Can genes reveal gluten intolerance?
Explore the genetic variants associated with celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten with an unusually strong genetic component — almost everyone with the diagnosis carries the HLA variants DQ2 or DQ8. But it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood links: carrying the variant is almost a requirement, but not sufficient.
What the analysis shows
DNAHelper shows whether your raw file contains the HLA-associated variants and what research has linked them to. The result is an association, not a diagnosis. The analysis is based on the traits celiac disease (2 associated variants, strong evidence strength).
Which variants matter
HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 — variants in the MHC region on chromosome 6 — are the dominant genetic factor. Around 95% of people with celiac disease carry DQ2; most of the rest carry DQ8.
Beyond HLA there are hundreds of weaker signals in genes governing the immune system, but they explain a small share compared with the HLA variants.
What research has actually found
The link is one of the most replicated in genetics: if both DQ2 and DQ8 are absent, celiac disease is very unlikely. But up to a third of the population carries the variants without ever developing the disease.
That makes the test most useful as an exclusion — a result without the variants strongly argues against celiac disease; a result with them does not say you have or will get it.
What matters more than genes
If you eat gluten and have symptoms, the clinical pathway — antibody testing and possible gastroscopy — is what gives an answer. Do not stop eating gluten before testing; it can make the results uninterpretable.
Most people carrying the risk variants never develop celiac disease. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) also does not follow the same HLA pattern.
Limitations — read this before interpreting the result
This is educational information about statistical associations — not a medical statement, not a health test and not a statement about your health. The analysis is based on the traits celiac disease (strong evidence strength). If you suspect symptoms, contact healthcare — a predisposition is not a diagnosis.
Privacy: your file never leaves the browser
You pick your raw file locally — it is parsed and analysed entirely in your browser and is not uploaded for the standard analysis. The only exception is the optional DNA Chat feature where you, after explicit consent, can share selected variants. Read the privacy policy · What happens to your DNA file?
Compatible raw files
Works with raw data exports from MyHeritage, 23andMe, AncestryDNA and FamilyTreeDNA (.txt, .csv, .zip). The download guides show exactly where to find the file at your provider — and the file formats are explained here.
Also read: Method & science · All analyses · All traits · Type 2 diabetes and heredity