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Developmental Biology - Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease In Children
Eating high fiber from fruit during pregnancy reduces risk of celiac disease in children...
High fiber intake during pregnancy is linked with a decreased risk of celiac disease in children, new research presented today at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition — ESPGHAN.
Experts from Norway found that the risk of pediatric celiac disease was 8% lower per 10g maternal increase in fibre intake during pregnancy.
For those with the highest fibre intake (>45 grams per day), the risk was 34% lower in comparison to the lowest fibre intake (<19 grams per day). High fibre intake from fruits and vegetables, rather than from cereals, were associated with the lowest risk.
The population-based study assessed over 88,000 children born between 1999 and 2009. Researchers measured mothers' intake of fibre and gluten during pregnancy before analysing whether each child had received a clinical diagnosis of celiac disease in a mean follow-up time of 11 years.
According to Dr Ketil Størdal, lead researcher: "As this is the first study on maternal fibre intake, we can't yet recommend any specific dietary measures during pregnancy to prevent celiac disease — this needs to be further studied. However, we are currently assessing whether maternal fibre intake could have an impact on children's gut flora. This is one of the ways in which these findings can be explained."
Celiac disease is a frequent and lifelong autoimmune condition, caused by an abnormal reaction to gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
Affecting 1 in 100 children in the majority of European countries, the only treatment for celiac disease is strict compliance to a gluten free diet, which achieves remission of signs and symptoms.
Notably, the research also found a mother's gluten intake during pregnancy is not associated with a higher risk of the disease. "Our findings do not support gluten restriction for pregnant women," concluded Dr Størdal.
Early Celiac Disease Diagnosis Important in Children
Diagnosed cases of celiac disease only represent a small fraction of the total number of people affected and most children remain undiagnosed. Diagnosing celiac disease as early as possible is essential for ensuring optimal growth, development and symptom management.
There are many serious associated health complications if celiac disease is left undiagnosed, including impaired weight gain and growth problems, delayed puberty, iron-deficiency anaemia, chronic fatigue and osteoporosis.
"By providing early detection programs for children, we can achieve earlier diagnosis and treatment, reduce the risk of future associated health complications and give children the opportunity to thrive. Greater public awareness and the establishment of national detection programs for early identification of pediatric celiac diseases are two steps to achieve earlier diagnoses."
Tunde Koltai PhD, Chair, Association of European Celiac Societies (AOECS)
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Jun 7 2019 Fetal Timeline Maternal Timeline News
 Celiac disease in children poster for the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. CREDIT ESPGHAN
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