Research reveals that high fiber content during pregnancy reduces the risk of celiac disease in children

Norwegian experts found that the risk of celiac disease in the child was 8% lower per 10 g increase in fiber intake during pregnancy. For those whose fiber intake was highest (> 45 grams per day), the risk was 34% lower compared to the lowest fiber intake (<19 grams per day). High fiber intake from fruits and vegetables, rather than cereals, was badociated with the lowest risk.

The population-based study evaluated more than 88,000 children born between 1999 and 2009. Researchers measured the mother's fiber and gluten intake during pregnancy before determining whether each child had received a clinical diagnosis of celiac disease in a mean follow-up of 11 years.

"Currently, there is very little data on the badociation between fiber intake or gluten intake of the mother during pregnancy and the risk of celiac disease in children.", commented Dr. Ketil Størdal, principal investigator of the study." In the case of the first study on fiber intake in the mother, we can not yet recommend specific dietary measures during pregnancy to prevent celiac disease. evaluate whether maternal fiber intake could have an impact on the intestinal flora of children. This is one of the possible ways to explain these results. "

Research has shown that maternal gluten intake during pregnancy is not badociated with a higher risk of disease. "Our results do not support gluten restriction for pregnant women", concluded Dr. Størdal.

The importance of early diagnosis

Cases of diagnosed celiac disease represent only a small fraction of the total number of people affected and most children are undiagnosed. It is essential to diagnose celiac disease as early as possible to ensure optimal growth, development and management of symptoms. If celiac disease is undiagnosed, there are many serious health complications, including weight loss and growth problems, delayed puberty, iron deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue, and osteoporosis.

"By providing early detection programs to children, we can diagnose and treat faster, reduce the risk of future health complications and give children the opportunity to flourish.", explained Tunde Koltai, president of the Association of European Celiac Disease Societies."Increased public awareness and the establishment of national detection programs for the early identification of celiac disease in children are two steps in arriving at earlier diagnoses."

Reference

1. Størdal K et al. Maternal consumption of gluten and fiber during pregnancy and risk of celiac disease in children: Norwegian mother-child cohort study. Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN; 2019