Celiac Disease Symptoms: Bone Density

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and weakening of bone tissue, which causes bones to become brittle and more likely to break. Possible consequences of osteoporosis include fractures, stunted height, stooped posture, back and hip pain, and breathing problems. People with this condition may break bones from a minor fall or even from bumping into something. While osteoporosis is often considered an older person’s disease, it can strike at any age. It affects more women than men.

What is the Connection between Bone Density and Celiac Disease?

The exact link between celiac disease and excess bone loss remains unknown, but celiac disease damages the intestines and makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for building and maintaining bone density. Therefore, celiac disease can cause vitamin deficiencies that lead to bone diseases.

A 2025 study found 23.6% of patients with celiac disease had osteoporosis.

A 2016 study found that among those recently diagnosed with celiac disease, 56.1% had osteopenia, and 29.2% had osteoporosis.

A 2005 study found that those with osteoporosis are 17 times more likely to also have celiac disease. The link was strong enough that the project’s lead researcher, William Stenson, recommended that “all individuals with osteoporosis undergo screening (for celiac disease).”

Screening Recommendations

Experts recommend that patients with celiac disease be evaluated and monitored for calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Those with newly diagnosed celiac disease may also experience temporary lactose intolerance, and omitting dairy products from the diet can increase the risk of decreased bone density.

A 2025 study found those with celiac disease “are at an increased risk of developing lumbar osteoporosis in middle age.” They recommend bone mineral density (BMD) screening at 45.

Many researchers recommend that patients with refractory osteoporosis (that is, osteoporosis that does not respond to treatment or is not improving) be screened for celiac disease. In patients who test positive for celiac disease and start a gluten-free diet, the osteoporosis begins to respond to treatment.

How are Osteoporosis and Osteopenia Treated?

Generally, bone loss is treated with a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. Drugs that can encourage bone growth are also available. Diet and exercise can help, too; dairy products are rich in nutrients that encourage bone growth, and weight-bearing exercises can prevent bone loss and strengthen bones.

In patients who have osteoporosis or osteopenia because of celiac disease, a strict gluten-free diet is often enough to halt bone density loss. However, your doctor or dietitian may still recommend daily supplements to correct calcium and vitamin D deficiencies and ensure you are getting enough nutrients. Do not start any dietary supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.

How Do People with Celiac Disease Experience Bone Density Issues, Osteoporosis or Osteopenia?

I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2025, and I had my DEXA bone density scan done in March 2026. I am 25 years old and have the hips and spine of an 82-year-old.
Please get your scans done and advocate for yourself!

Charlotte
My mother had osteoporosis and broken bones, and eventually wound up in a wheelchair. Knowing there was a hereditary component, I made my doctors aware and was actively monitoring my own health. But I had ever-worsening osteoporosis, and oral meds did not help. I did not know what celiac disease was, and would never have suspected that could be the problem.

Lana
A routine bone density scan showed progression from having osteopenia to having osteoporosis. Fortunately, my doctor ran additional tests to find the root cause of the progression and discovered I had celiac disease.

Lisa

How Do You Experience Bone Density Issues, Osteoporosis or Osteopenia?

At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.

Your experience with bone density, osteoporosis or osteopenia can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.

Use the form below to share your experiences with celiac disease and bone density.

Celiac Disease Symptoms: Bone Density, Osteoporosis & Osteopenia