What can my child eat if they have Coeliac Disease?
If you suspect your child has coeliac disease, it’s best to get a confirmed diagnosis because people with wheat intolerance ...
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NEW FOOD PACKAGING IN STORE NOW
From August 2018, customers will notice our rebranded food packaging start to appear on shelf in all major stockists.
We are excited to announce our new packaging will start to appear on shelf from August 2018. This transition to new packaging will occur over a number of months. During this time there will be a mix of current and new packaging on shelf.
There are no major changes to these products, in some instances there is a small name change or slight recipe improvement, see below for the full details.
Products purchased via the website will be delivered to customers in our old packaging until the end of October. From November, products ordered from the website will be delivered in the new packaging.
Please note, our Infant Formula packaging will not be rebranded until later in 2019.
For any questions, connect with our team of accredited practising Dietitians on +61 3 6332 9200
Product name changes
Introducing wheat at four months of age and not delaying this until after six months of age, is currently thought to decrease the chances of developing an allergy to wheat.
Wheat allergy and Coeliac Disease are the two main medical conditions related to wheat in childhood. Children with wheat allergy need only avoid wheat, while those with coeliac disease need to avoid gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, triticale, spelt, barley and controversially oats.
Can I prevent my child from developing these diseases?
The answer right now is NO, but there is research looking into factors that might decrease the chances. In both groups breast feeding is encouraged, and food introduction should not begin before the child is four months old.
Wheat allergy
Parents are now encouraged to add small amounts of foods to the babies’ diet that contain the known food allergens. Wheat is now suggested from four months.
Unlike a typical wheat allergy which starts as a baby and is mostly outgrown by primary school, coeliac disease can be diagnosed at any age.
Coeliac Disease
Science does not have as clear a picture on what to advise for coeliac disease, because five, ten or more years after the child left the research study, they could still develop coeliac disease. Suggesting diet changes made as a baby might not really matter in the longer term.
When the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines to introduce gluten to babies was developed in 2016, it was thought that the specific genetics of the child was the strongest determinant of whether the child developed coeliac disease or not. That may still be the case. Here are current early diet suggestions, but they are not official recommendations, as we don’t know how many from these studies below, will go on to develop coeliac disease later in life.
A recent 2020 study suggests that from the age of four months, at least two wheat breakfast biscuits should be consumed in a week. The group who did this had less coeliac disease three years later than those who delayed gluten introduction until after six months.
A 2019 study concluded that more coeliac disease developed in children eating the greatest quantities of gluten between 1-2 years of age. The research suggests that at most, 2-3 slices of wheat bread equivalent food choices should be eaten a day, between the age of one and two years. Use gluten free grain food choices to fill out the grain food for the rest of the day.
It’s important to understand that your baby or child may still develop either condition. If you feel your baby is reacting to wheat or gluten foods, then stop those foods and investigate this with your doctor.
REFERENCES
Please read this important message.
If you are able, breastfeeding is best, as it provides the ideal nutrition for babies and has other important health benefits too. Health Professionals are well placed to provide appropriate feeding advice and support. A healthy diet during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding is important.
Introducing infant formula either partially or exclusively, may reduce the supply of breast milk. Once reduced, it is difficult to re-establish. Social and financial implications, such as preparation requirements and cost of formula until 12 months, should be considered. When using infant formula, always follow the instructions for use carefully, unnecessary or improper use may make your baby unwell.
Information about Bellamy’s Organic products is solely for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice. If you would like to proceed, please click "I understand".