Celiac Disease in Children

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Published June 6, 2022

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that results from the response of the immune system to the ingestion of gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This immune response causes inflammation, and damage to the small intestine that can ultimately lead to malnutrition and poor health. Celiac disease can be diagnosed at any age, starting in early childhood.

The genes responsible for the development of celiac disease are inherited; therefore it occurs at a significantly higher rate among first-degree relatives (parents, children, and siblings) of those who have the condition. The only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. The removal of gluten from the diet is a highly effective treatment that allows the small intestine to heal, leading to normal absorption of nutrients.

Childhood is a crucial time for the overall growth and development of all body systems. If undiagnosed or untreated, celiac disease can cause malnutrition in children that may lead to inability to develop optimal bone mass, short stature, failure to thrive, anemia and delayed puberty, among other problems. It is important that when celiac disease is present, it be diagnosed as soon as possible, so that these potential health issues can be reversed or avoided through following a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional concerns

Nutritional inadequacies may exist among children with celiac disease and can occur for a number of reasons. The primary cause is reduced ability to absorb certain nutrients due to damage of the small intestine (until the intestine has had a change to heal). Other factors which can factor in are the lower micronutrient content of some gluten-free grains, and lack of enriched grain products consumed on a gluten-free diet. Talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about assessing the nutritional adequacy of your child’s diet. A dietitian can provide suggestions on gluten-free foods which contain nutrients of concern. If supplements are recommended, be sure to confirm that they are gluten-free.

For more information about nutrient deficiencies on the gluten-free diet, find more resources on our website.

Take realistic steps for your family:

• Educate yourself, your child, and the entire family about what it means to have celiac disease, and about the importance of a gluten-free diet as the treatment.
• Be sure everyone in the household is knowledgeable about sources of gluten: wheat, barley, rye, contaminated oats*, and the by-products and hybrids of these grains. Remember that gluten may be found in unexpected foods such as licorice, energy bars and processed meats.
• If some members of your household are continuing to eat gluten-containing foods, remember that cross-contact is a common way that gluten finds its way into food. Even the smallest amount of gluten can cause damage to the small intestine without causing obvious symptoms, so it is imperative to prevent cross-contact.
  • Designate a separate area for gluten-free ingredients on an upper-shelf in the pantry and refrigerator.
  • If possible, assign one counter area to be used only for gluten-free food preparation.
  • Thoroughly clean cookware, cutting boards, plates, bowls, and utensils.
  • Buy separate condiments or put them in squeeze bottles so utensils do not cause cross-contact.
• Reach out to national organizations that offer local support groups for kids and families, such as the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) at www.gluten.org. GIG’s Generation GF program is geared specifically to kids and offers support groups as well as a magazine just for kids: www.gluten.org/community/kids/

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child still enjoy a socially active life?

Aside from the need to maintain a gluten-free diet, children with celiac disease are able to participate in traditional events as usual such as sports, band, academic clubs, and other hobbies. Always communicate with coaches, club sponsors, teachers and other parents about your child’s need to avoid gluten. Consider exploring whether other children are gluten-free so both the kids and parents can have an informal support system.

What should I do about school lunches?

Communicate! Whether you choose to pack your child’s meals or buy them at school, alert the principal, school nurse, and teachers about the importance of a gluten-free diet for your child. This will also come in handy if there is a special occasion, such as a birthday party where you will need to be alerted ahead of time if you need to provide an alternative dessert for your child.

If you would like to purchase meals from school, you will want to contact the cafeteria manager and/or the School District (Nutrition Services Department) to inquire further about the availability of a gluten-free menu. Some school cafeterias are equipped for allergen-free cooking and can provide daily options, whereas others have limited resources and will not be able to accommodate your child.

To have the most assurance that your child enjoys gluten-free meals while at school, preparing lunches at home is a good option. This can be an excellent hands-on opportunity to educate your child about eating gluten-free. Once they are familiar with the guidelines, let them try to plan their own menu. This will empower them, give them some freedom, and help them not to feel so restricted by their diet.

Kid-friendly gluten-free (GF) meal and snack ideas*:

Breakfast

• Yogurt with fruit and nuts
• Cold or hot cereal (made from puffed rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth, teff, or other gluten-free grains) with banana, cooked apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, etc.
• Eggs, potatoes, and gluten-free toast
• Smoothies: yogurt, cow/almond/soy/rice milk, nut butter, berries, banana, mango, or any fruit your child likes!
• Gluten-free pancakes, waffles, or French toast

Lunch/Dinner

• Sandwiches made with gluten-free bread or wrapped in lettuce (green leaf, red leaf, butter lettuce work best)
• Gluten-free pasta and favorite sauce or chilled gluten-free pasta salad
• Gluten-free burrito with sweet potato, black beans, and brown rice
• Tacos, nachos, or quesadillas made with corn tortillas and favorite fixings
• Baked fish/chicken with gluten-free macaroni and cheese

Snacks

• Applesauce, pudding, fresh fruit, gluten-free muffin
• Hard-boiled egg, cheese stick, yogurt, cottage cheese
• Homemade trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and seeds
• Veggies: carrot, celery, jicama, red pepper, broccoli, and cauliflower
• Dipping ideas: nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew), hummus, ranch-flavored yogurt, cream cheese, salsa, guacamole, and bean dip

*oats are inherently gluten-free, but are often exposed to cross-contact with wheat or barley during harvesting or processing. Only certified, or at least labeled gluten-free oats should be consumed on a GF diet, and only after consultation with your physician or dietitian.

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