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Gluten-Free Generation: Children With Celiac Disease Doubles In 25-Years
[Study Finds] ANCONA, Italy — The number of gluten intolerant children has doubled over the last 25 years, according to a new study. Children who suffer from celiac disease, one of the most common lifelong conditions in Europe, may not be getting the treatment they need because many have not been diagnosed, say scientists.People with celiac disease produce antibodies to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, ingredients which are commonly used to make a variety of tasty foods such as bread, cakes, biscuits, pasta and some breakfast cereals. If they accidentally feast on gluten packed foods, these antibodies damage the gut lining and can lead to symptoms, including bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea and fatigue. It can also cause blood diseases, fertility problems and osteoporosis, if they do not follow a strict gluten-free diet. In children, the condition has also been linked to poor growth and can delay puberty. Now, researchers at Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona, Italy, have found the problem is much bigger than previously thought. "Our study showed that prevalence of celiac disease in schoolchildren has doubled over the past 25 years when compared to figures reported by our team in a similar school age group," says study author Elena Lionetti, a professor at the university, in a statement. "Our sentiment is that there are more cases of celiac disease than in the past, and that we could not discover them without a screening strategy." Posted by: Besoeker 2021-06-15 |
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