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No evidence of benefits of gluten free diets for those without CD or wheat allergy
Posted on: 18/May/2016 9:43:56 AM
A recent study has said that leaving out gluten from your child’s diet even when they don`t have celiac disease or CD or wheat allergy may be more risky than beneficial. The study was conducted by researchers at the New York-Presbyterian/ Columbia University Medical Centre and was published in the journal Paediatrics.
Say the researchers, Out of concern for their children`s health, parents sometimes place their children on a gluten-free diet in the belief that it relieves symptoms, can prevent CD, or is a healthy alternative without prior testing for CD or consultation with a dietitian.
One of the main misconceptions if that a gluten free diet is a good and healthy choice with no disadvantages. However, there has been no proven health benefits in individuals who have adopted a gluten free diet and do not have CD or wheat allergy. On the contrary, the diet could increase fat and calorie intake, contribute to nutritional deficiencies, and obscure an actual diagnosis of CD.
Many also believe that gluten is toxic. Again, there is no data to support this belief. A gluten free diet can lead to better health and an improved quality of life for a small subset of patients who are guided by an experienced and registered dietician.
Say the researchers, Parents should be counselled as to the possible financial, social, and nutritional consequences of unnecessary implementation of a gluten-free diet. Healthcare providers may not be able to stop the move to a gluten-free diet, but they can play a larger role in educating patients and parents.
