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Celiac Sprue Disease Treatment |
The only treatment
shown to be effective for
celiac disease is
the complete elimination of gluten and gliadin
containing grains from the diet. [11] Even the smallest amount can inhibit
the healing process and cause an
immediate relapse of the
disease. Individuals with this
condition should avoid
wheat, rye, triticale, oats, barley,
quinoa, amaranth, and soy. If
symptoms of disease improve after
the elimination of the
aforementioned grains, certain
grains are considered tolerable for
consumption (i.e. buckwheat and
millet). Recent studies have
also shown
that less than 50 grams of oats per day
may be acceptable for individuals
with Celiac disease. Other dietary recommendations
for persons with this condition include the avoidance of dairy-containing
products. [12,
13]
Individuals must be
very diligent about excluding gluten
and gliadin-containing products from
there diet. This often turns them
into "food sleuths," because many of
the processed foods that are
available in today's markets contain
traces of some gluten grains, which can
cause adverse reactions.
Study has indicated
that nearly 30% of individuals on
the gluten free diet will see an
improvement in the first week, and
50% in the first month. The cure rate is 90%
when individuals are consistent with
a gluten
free diet over a calendar year. [14]
Although these statistics are
promising, around 90% of individuals will have
to continue the gluten free diet for
life in order to avoid a relapse.
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Supplements helpful for Celiac
Sprue Disease |
Iron
The most common
deficiency in children is iron. Supplementation with iron has
shown to increase blood hemoglobin
levels and correct iron deficiency
anemia. It also has been shown to
improve overall mental and
psychomotor function. Long-term
iron supplementation is critical even if the child is
adhering to the gluten free diet. Concurrent supplementation with
Vitamins B12 and folic acid is
recommended to improve the overall
function of red blood cells. [15] Iron deficiency is also common in
adults with celiac disease.
Recommended dosages for adults
with this condition is
300 milligrams per day of ferrous
sulfate.[16]
Folic acid
In adults, folic
acid is the most common
deficiency. Folic acid should be
given at a dose of 5-10 mg/day. [17]
Folic acid is necessary to correct
a macrocytic anemia, which occurs
when red blood cells are too big
or enlarged.
Calcium
Calcium is often
taken to correct a
deficiency in an individual who
may have gone undiagnosed for some
time. Because of the effects of
celiac disease on the small
intestine, calcium is poorly
absorbed. A deficiency of calcium
from the diet can lead to
excessive calcium being pulled
from the bones, thereby
dramatically decreasing one's
bone-mineral density. This can lead to
the onset of other bone-related
conditions, such as osteoporosis
and fractures. Studies
show that supplementing
with calcium gluconate may help correct blood levels and
prevent further damage to the
bones.[18]
Vitamin B12
Initially Vitamin
B12 was not thought to be
deficient in individuals with
celiac disease. Recent studies
have, however, show that
individuals with untreated celiac
disease will be deficient in
Vitamin B12.
This particular nutrient deficiency will
often correct itself, once a
gluten free diet is implemented. Individuals with
Vitamin B12 suffer from
lethargy, have paresthesias, and
may also have a macrocytic anemia.
The dietary supplementation of B12 has been shown to
improve these deficiency symptoms. [19]
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Learn More About Celiac Disease |
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