Celiac DiseaseCeliac Disease

Provided Courtesy of RD411.comWhere dietitians go for information

Review Date 9/10 G-0605

This presentation provides general information about celiac disease. Consult with your health care professional if you have any questions or for additional information because each case is unique.

Symptoms and Side Effects

•No classic profile for celiac disease, unlike hypertension, cancer, or other diseases that have biomarkers

•Often mistaken for Crohn’s disease, parasites, skin disorders, etc

•Often surfaces after trauma

Symptoms and Side Effects (cont’d)

•Strong genetic disposition: – Pale– Irritable– Fails to grow– Potbelly– Flat tush– Stinky stools

Symptoms and Side Effects (cont’d)

• Diarrhea• Gas• Bloating• Irritability• Depression• Joint pain• Muscle cramps

• Skin rash (elbows, knees, and buttocks)

• Mouth sores• Anemia• Bone disorders• Neuropathy

Testing•Antibody test/blood test•Biopsy

Villi•Think of stomach lining as a carpet/tile or mop/broom

•Digestive enzymes•Foods pass through with nutrients not absorbed/digested

Associated Conditions

•Iron deficiency anemia •Osteoporosis •Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging

•Vitamin and mineral deficiencies •Central and peripheral nervous system disorders, usually because of unsuspected nutrient deficiencies

Associated Conditions (cont’d)

•Pancreatic insufficiency •Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers

•Lactose intolerance •Neurological manifestations

Malnutrition

•Vitamins A, D, E, K•Vitamin B12

•Folate•Iron•Most severe for children–may result in failure to thrive

Calcium and Vitamin D

•Osteomalacia, rickets, kidney stones

•Secondary lactose intolerance (usually reversible)

Additional Medical Consequences

•Intestinal lymphoma and bowel cancer, if gluten-free diet is not followed

•Seizures and peripheral neuropathy often manifest

Treatment

•Avoid ingesting gluten•See a dietitian/physician for vitamin supplementation recommendations

•Once a gluten-free diet is implemented, absorption of all nutrients, vitamins, and minerals will return when GI tract is repaired

Ingredients to Avoid

•Grains–barley, wheat, triticale, rye, farina, graham, semolina, durum, bulgur, kamut, kasha, matzo meal, and spelt

•Oats?–Many people with celiac disease have celiac disease symptoms when they eat oats

–Possibly because many oats are processed on equipment that processes wheat

Avoid• Breads• Cereals• Crackers• Pasta• Cookies• Cakes• Pies

• Gravies• Sauces• Snack foods• Medications

Cosmetics

•Gluten-containing cosmetics and skin care products are OK to use

•Gluten-free toothpastes and mouthwashes often are recommended, as are lip products because of ingestion

•Some experts ask children to use gluten-free hand lotions, if they put their fingers in their mouth as a habit

Choose• Corn• Potatoes• Arrowroot• Tapioca• Rice

• Amaranth• Buckwheat• Nut flours• Quinoa

For a complete list of allowed foods, contact a registered dietitian. Call manufacturers if you have any questions about possible cross-contamination.

What to Do

•Sit with a registered dietitian at least annually

•Be diligent about checking ingredients and preparation methods

What to Do (cont’d)

•Vitamin and mineral supplementation–Still controversial–Not necessary for general wellness if celiac disease patient is eating a healthful diet

–Supplementation of B vitamins, magnesium, and a few others still too questionable to make definitive recommendations

What to Do (cont’d)

•Decide to become proactive!

References and Resources

•Visit http://www.rd411.com/forms/68138_sheet_2.pdf for a listing of valuable resources:–Education and research–Articles and references–Books–Cookbooks–Pamphlets and brochures–Magazines and newsletters