Abstract
Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most common reasons for malnutrition. This study aimed to determine the status of the micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals in children with CD. Methods: The participants of this study included children <18 years old newly diagnosed with CD from January 2016 to December 2017 in the Clinic of Gastrointestinal and Digestive Diseases affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The diagnosis of CD was based on serological and pathologic findings. Finally, the data was analyzed using SPSS 22. Results: In the present study, 78 children with CD were evaluated, including 30 (38.5%) males and 48 (61.5%) females. The levels of hemoglobin and iron significantly improved after 6 months of treatment (P=0.001). In the present study, the level of calcium was below the normal range in 5 (6.4%) patients at diagnosis. However, its level was within a normal range in all patients 6 months after the treatment. Based on the results, the level of phosphorus was low in 24 (30.7%) and 5 (6.4%) patients before and after the treatment, respectively (P=0.001). Further, the vitamin D level was below a normal range in 66 (84.6%) and 15 (19.2%) patients at diagnosis and 6 months after the treatment, respectively (P=0.001). On the other hand, the mean level of folic acid increased from 16.5 at diagnosis to 22.39 after 6 months of treatment (P=0.001). Finally, the mean level of zinc also increased from 73.3 at diagnosis to 81.6 after 6 months of treatment (P=0.001). Conclusion: In general, the levels of iron, folate, vitamin D, and zinc reduced in patients with CD. In most patients, these deficiencies improved by receiving a gluten-free diet (GFD). Monitoring patients with CD is recommended for the diagnosis of micronutrient deficiencies.
Highlights
Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most common reasons for malnutrition
Considering the high prevalence of malnutrition in children with CD, and the lack of a previous study on the status of micronutrients in our center, this study aimed to determine the level of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals in children with CD before and after treatment with a gluten-free diet (GFD)
The results of our study showed that treatment with GFD improved the serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus
Summary
Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most common reasons for malnutrition. This study aimed to determine the status of the micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals in children with CD. The vitamin D level was below a normal range in 66 (84.6%) and 15 (19.2%) patients at diagnosis and 6 months after the treatment, respectively (P = 0.001). Conclusion: In general, the levels of iron, folate, vitamin D, and zinc reduced in patients with CD In most patients, these deficiencies improved by receiving a gluten-free diet (GFD). Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease that is presented with gluten hypersensitivity and varying degrees of enteropathy.[1] In addition, the CD is one of the most frequent reasons for malnutrition.[2] In CD, damage to the small intestine reduces the production of digestive enzymes and the absorption of micronutrients.[3] The global prevalence of CD has been increased in recent years.[2] In a study conducted in our center, the prevalence of CD in children was estimated at 0.6%.3. The diagnosis of CD is typically made by serological (anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA) and histopathological tests.[6]
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