Bones loss in children with celiac disease does not depend on the presence of symptoms
August 3, 2009
Given (intentional or non-intentional) dietary gluten exposure, growing children with celiac disease may experience poor absorption of nutrients, negatively affecting bone health. Now a new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition by Canadian researchers from University of Alberta and the Alberta Health Services shows that loss of bone density in celiac children does not depend on the presence of symptoms at diagnosis. Moreover, the research revealed that the older the age at which the child was diagnosed, the higher the likelihood of bone loss.
The researchers studied 74 children aged between 3 and 16 years, and analyzed bone mineral density of the spine to determine the presence and degree of bone loss. An equivalent reduction in spine bone mass was observed in children with celiac disease at diagnosis regardless of the presence of symptoms. However, bone density was inversely correlated with age at diagnosis.
The researchers conclude their study by suggesting that delayed diagnosis of children with celiac disease may increase the risk of adult osteoporosis and that, even in the absence of symptoms, appropriate screening of children at risk of celiac disease for the purpose of early diagnosis, as well as routine evaluation of bone mineral density in such children, are important to prevent long-term complications associated with poor bone health.
Source: Prevalence of Metabolic Bone Disease in Children With Celiac Disease Is Independent of Symptoms at Diagnosis. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Turner, Justine; Pellerin, Genevieve; Mager, Diana. 2009 Jul 28. [Epub ahead of print]
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