Does the Amount of Dietary Gluten in Early Life Increase Risk for Celiac Disease?

Yes, the amount seems to matter, especially in the first 2 years of life, in genetically at-risk children.

Whether the amount of dietary gluten intake in early life contributes to the risk for developing celiac disease (CD) is unknown. In a prospective, international study, researchers examined this possible association in 6605 children carrying HLA antigen genotypes associated with CD. They measured gluten intake at 6, 9, and 12 months and biannually until age 5 years, and screened for CD (via serum sampling for tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies) at age 2 years and annually until age 5 years (median follow-up, 9 years).

Eighteen percent of children developed persistent autoantibodies (at median age of 3 years), and 7% developed biopsy-proven CD. The peak age for each outcome was between 2 and 3 years. Gluten intake in the first 5 years (esp…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

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Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Does the Amount of Dietary Gluten in Early Life Increase Risk for Celiac Disease?

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Reviewing Author