A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF GLUTEN ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL STATUS, DIETARY INTAKES OF HAEMOPOIETIC NUTRIENTS AND VITAMIN B12 AND FOLIC ACID ABSORPTION IN CHILDREN WITH COELIAC DISEASE

Abstract

The haematological status as well as the fractional absorption of folic acid -and B12 (FAFol and FAB12) were studied longitudinally in 20 coeliac children aged 1.2-16.6 yrs(mean 7.5) during periods of gluten free and gluten containing diets. The absorption methods were specially adapted to the use in children, and age specific reference limits established. Moreover, dietary intakes of folate and B12 were registered. The hemoglobin concentrations did not show any significant differences in relation to shifts in diet. Few had light anemia while the concentrations of the other patients remained within normal range. Ther iron status, as well as the dietary intakes of iron were insufficient regardless of the type diet. S-B12 concentrations demonstrated a wide range of values above the lower normal limit, and the level in one patient only was within the “intermidiate range” of 150-200 pmol/l. A significant increase in S-B12 concentrations occurred during an average of 14 mo of gluten free diet. The folate status (ERC-folate) and FAFol showed significant variations related to dietary changes. However, few patients became folate depleted. FAFol and FAB12 demonstrated rapidly occurring and significant decreases and increases in relation to gluten challenge and gluten free diet, respectively. The study is the first of its kind in children.