transforming Celiac Disease Treatment with Precision Nutrition: The CD3Dtech Project
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition triggered by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. While a lifelong gluten-free diet typically alleviates symptoms within 6-12 months, up to 30% of patients continue to experience gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and nutrient malabsorption despite adhering to dietary recommendations.
The CD3Dtech project, funded by the regional government with over one million euros, aims to revolutionize celiac disease treatment through innovative and cutting-edge methodologies. A key objective is to understand why some patients don’t improve on a gluten-free diet and develop targeted interventions.
Researchers studying individuals aged 18-65 with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease and persistent symptoms despite at least 12 months on a gluten-free diet, identified 431 microbial species and meaningful nutritional imbalances.They found lower protein intake in those with severe symptoms, and widespread deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, iron, and calcium across all participants.
The study revealed that patients with ongoing severe symptoms exhibited fragile gut microbial networks – fewer beneficial bacteria, more inflammatory species, and metabolites linked to intestinal irritation. Conversely, those with milder symptoms had more stable and resilient microbial communities. Importantly, both groups showed increased intestinal permeability, suggesting that microbial and metabolic disruptions play a significant role in persistent symptoms.
These findings pave the way for new therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and personalized dietary guidelines, designed to restore gut health. To facilitate this, CD3Dtech will establish a high-performance screening platform for precision nutrition utilizing 3D organ models and systems biology.
This project is a collaborative effort led by the IMDEA Nutrition Institute, the European University of Madrid, the Network Biomedical Research Center (Ciber), and the Infanta Sofía public hospital, with participation from the Association of Celiacs and Gluten Sensitives and La Paz public hospital. The ultimate goal is to provide effective solutions for those who don’t find relief through traditional celiac disease management.
