Celiac disease in babies

Celiac disease can develop in early childhood, usually around six months of age, after the baby is weaned and fed a diet containing gluten. Some children may develop the condition very quickly after first eating gluten, while others may not show symptoms for several years.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks gluten with gut-damaging antibodies, resulting in symptoms such as stomach pain and stunted growth.

Celiac disease is more common in children with Down syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or other autoimmune diseases.

The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict 100% gluten-free diet, which should be followed for life.