Ceoliac Disease in Children 

Ceoliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which your body reacts poorly to gluten.

Gluten is a type of protein that is found in many grains. These include 

•  wheat

•  durum

•  spelt

• kamut

•  barley

•  bulgar

•  rye

When you have celiac disease, gluten damages your small intestine and prevents your body from properly absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. If left untreated, ceoliac disease may lead to other health problems such as nutrient deficiencies. It is not uncommon for someone with celiac disease to experience folate, iron, calcium, vitamin D or protein deficiency.

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SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FOR CHILDREN INCLUDE:

• Diarrhea and/or constipation

• Pain in the abdomen

• Malnutrition – this can include things such as anemia, issues with teeth, failure to thrive, developmental delays or problems with growth

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Behavioural issues

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In order to check for the presence of celiac disease, your doctor may order blood tests to determine if there is a high level of IgA antibody present. This antibody level rises because of your body’s autoimmune response to gluten. You may be required to consume gluten until the test is completed in order for the test to accurately check for these antibodies. Your doctor may request additional testing for the diagnosis of celiac disease such as a small bowel biopsy. This procedure can help confirm the presence of celiac disease in the small intestine. Alternatively, your doctor may advise you to try a gluten-free diet to see if your symptoms resolve.

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How our expert paediatric dietitian's can help you ;

• Meal planning

• Food options

• Clear up any confusion

• Gluten free recipes

• Appropriate supplementation

• Recipe modifications 

• Reading nutrition labels 

• Following appropriate protocol for Ceoliac disease 

• Educate you on the current gluten free market 

• Navigate eating out on a gluten free diet