Celiac Disease

Coeliac disease (pronounced /ˈsiːliːˌæk/), also spelled celiac disease, is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive (in children), and fatigue, but these may be absent and symptoms in all other organ systems have been described. It is estimated to affect about 1% of all Indo-European populations, but is thought to be significantly under diagnosed. A growing portion of diagnoses are being made in asymptomatic persons as a result of increased screening.

Coeliac disease is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a gluten protein found in wheat (and similar proteins of the tribe Triticeae which includes other cultivars such as barley and rye). Upon exposure to gliadin, the enzyme tissue transglutaminase modifies the protein, and the immune system cross-reacts with the bowel tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction. That leads to flattening of the lining of the small intestine (called villous atrophy). This interferes with the absorption of nutrients because the intestinal villi are responsible for absorption. The only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. While the disease is caused by a reaction to wheat proteins, it is not the same as wheat allergy.  Resources for more information.

Wheat Allergy

Also known as wheat hypersensitivity is most commonly a food allergy, but can also be a respiratory or contact allergy resulting from occupational exposure. Like all allergies wheat allergy involves IgE and mast cell response. Typically the allergy is limited to the seed storage proteins of wheat, some reactions are restricted to wheat proteins, while others can react across many varieties of seeds and other plant tissues. Wheat allergy may be a misnomer since there are many allergenic components in wheat, for example serine proteinase inhibitors, glutelins and prolamins and different responses are often attributed to different proteins. The most severe response is exercise/aspirin induced anaphylaxis attributed to one omega gliadin that is a relative of the protein that causes coeliac disease. Other more common symptoms include nausea, urticaria, atopy.

Both definitions are courtesy of Wikipedia, a free online encyclopedia. It is very very very important that if you think your child has a problem with gluten consult your family doctor or pediatrician. Celiac Disease and Wheat Hypersensitivity can only be properly diagnosed by a trained professional.

Gluten-Free Grains

Gluten Free does not mean you have to eliminate all whole grains from your child’s diet. Here is a list courtesy of the Whole Grains Council
  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Corn
  • Millet
  • Montina (Indian rice grass)
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sorghum
  • Teff
  • Wild Rice
Here is a list of websites for products and recipes and resources for more information.  Please let me know if you have any to add.