Polymyositis: Can a gluten-free diet reduce symptoms?

If you have polymyositis — a rare connective tissue disease — you may be at increased risk of celiac disease. In such cases, a gluten-free diet can improve signs and symptoms of celiac disease. But there's no evidence that a gluten-free diet can improve signs and symptoms of polymyositis.

If you have polymyositis and have unexplained diarrhea, weight loss or persistent iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend testing for celiac disease.