![Introducing gluten to a baby’s diet may prevent coeliac disease](https://chadlaw.dnsupdate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/newborn_baby.jpg)
06
Oct 2020
Introducing gluten to a baby’s diet may prevent coeliac disease
Research undertaken by a team at Kings College London suggests that introducing gluten to a baby’s diet before the age of six months may prevent them developing coeliac disease.
Coeliac disease is caused by a negative reaction to gluten, found in rye, barley and wheat. It affects around 1 per cent of adults and children, and can cause symptoms such as bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea, due to damage caused to the lining of the gut.
Scientists have discovered that in cases of severe allergies, such as to peanuts, slowly introducing tiny amounts in children can build up their tolerance, and the same approach is being tried with other foods.
As part of this study, scientists researched the effects of babies consuming gluten two months earlier than the usual age of starting on solid foods of six months, alongside breast milk.
One group of 488 babies were given food containing 4g of wheat protein per week from the age of four months, another group of 516 were not introduced to gluten until six months, in line with current NHS guidance.
When tested for coeliac disease at three years old, none of the babies from the first group were diagnosed with the condition, and seven from the second group were.
Dr Kirsty Logan, study author and researcher in paediatric allergy at Kings College London, said although the numbers were small, the evidence “points in the right direction”.
She added “Early introduction of gluten and its role in the prevention of coeliac disease should be explored further.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 7382
- Like this ? Share with friends