Gluten Intolerance in Children

There are different conditions caused or affected by a consumption of gluten, particularly in children. Some people are allergic to gluten, while others have a genetically - predisposed intolerance to it, known as Celiac disease. Both conditions have a propensity to be severe in children and demand a diet free of gluten.

For those who are intolerant, the gluten damages the mucous membrane of the small intestine, impeding a normal digestion and deteriorating absorption. This is an important issue in pediatric patients given their high demand for nutrients and energy for growth. After eliminating gluten from diet the intestinal function improves though it may take some time to come back to normalcy.

Children with Celiac's disease have inherited a genetic predisposition, that makes them intolerant to the gluten, but this does not mean it will necessarily develop into full illness. It is recommended not to give gluten to babies before six months, since the early administration could unleash the pathology in predisposed children.

A positive diagnosis for celíac's disease may also be accompanied by intolerance to lactose in children particularly in the beginning stages. This condition seems to dissipate with time. To avoid any risks in pediatric patients it is recommended to avoid milk and other common lactose products.

Recent studies suggest autistic children may be sensitive to gluten and casein protein (found primarily in milk). The idea that gluten has a detrimental effect on autism is growing in popularity, particularly in the autistic community thanks, in part, to vast anecdotic evidence. Research still needs to determine whether or not there is in fact a correlation between the two and if this would imply causation.

Dermatitis herpetiformis or Duhring's disease is a skin condition that causes blisters around the elbows, knees and buttocks. To date there is no clear cause for this illness but there is a clear correlation with Ciliac's disease and the condition deteriorates with high consumption gluten. It is often diagnosed in teenagers although there are cases of children suffering mild forms of this disease. A gluten-free diet and an assortment of skin botanicals are the only cure to date.

Gluten intolerance and wheat allergies are important dietary concerns in children. Families with a history of either condition should consult a specialist if a visible aversion to gluten is noticed in small children. About 0.5 to 3% of the population suffers from a gluten-related condition which should not diminish the importance of early screening in children. In fact, children are particularly susceptible to any gluten-related conditions given their detrimental effects on proper pediatric development. To date, few studies have proven a connection between autism and other disorders, and gluten but anecdotic evidence may suggest a connection.

Webmd.com "Gluten Intolerance in Children" Gluten Intolerance: Against the Grain