Celiac Disease and Gluten-free Diet in Portuguese Children – An Anthropometric Marker Contribution Assessment

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is expressed by chronic food sensitivity to gluten, having as typical symptoms diarrhea and weight loss. The present study has evaluated anthropometric marker progressions in 61 Portuguese children with celiac disease, at diagnosis time and at the study time, comparing these variations with the intake of gluten free products. Data from 61 children (59.0 % girls) with celiac disease were evaluated, following a gluten free diet for 5.0 ± 4.6 years. Statistical t-test analysis of pBMI at diagnosis and at study time, revealed a positive increase with statistical significance for both girls and boys (p = 0.008). The differences between ingested and recommended values were quantified and confirming the increase in total energy consumption and carbohydrates. Following a gluten free diet allows the recovery of the nutritional status in most children; however, nutritional counseling seems mandatory to avoid nutrient imbalances and further health issues.