Gluten sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity is a problem that occurs when gluten, a protein contained in most cereals, except for rice and corn, damages the lining of the intestines. Unwittingly, therefore, you may feed your baby with an allergen as some baby cereals contain gluten.

A child with gluten sensitivity initially shows a “failure to thrive”. This means that the child will perhaps not have as much energy as you'd expect, may be a little sleepy and won't gain weight quite as quickly. You will also notice that the stools alternate between a fatty consistency so when you to try to flush them away they won't go - they stay and float - and quite loose stools. This is because the allergic reaction in the lining of the bowel prevents the correct digestion and absorption of fatty substances. Your child may have frequent bouts of diarrhoea and be pale and irritable a lot of the time. He will also have abdominal distension and vomiting. If this condition goes undiagnosed in young girls it can lead to a delay in the onset of menstruation.

In its very advanced stage gluten sensitivity, or coeliac disease, produces quite abnormal body configuration. The abdomen becomes distended, there is hardly any fat on the limbs or body, the muscles of the legs and arms become wasted, the tongue becomes smooth and there may be swelling of the ankles. The hair will be thin. However, gluten sensitivity is not very common and even though it's caused by a common food-stuff don't be over-anxious about your child's diet.

What to do

Once a diagnosis has been made your child has to be given a gluten-free diet, which means that wheat, rye, barley and oats will have to be excluded. Your child will have to remain on a gluten-free diet for life. The first thing that you will notice is an improvement in the mood of your child. This usually appears within a few days, and is followed by a greatly improved appetite and consequent weight gain. You will then notice a change in the appearance of the stools and the frequency of bowel movements, although this may take weeks. After being on a gluten-free diet for six months to a year, your child should be within the normal weight range; height takes about two years to recover.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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