Nutrition Assessment and Management in Celiac Disease.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the nutritional considerations and challenges associated with a gluten-free diet (GFD) in the management of celiac disease (CeD).
Results Summary
The study found that while a GFD is necessary for CeD patients, it can lead to nutritional deficiencies, excessive sugar and fat intake, and higher rates of obesity and metabolic complications. Long-term adherence to a GFD requires careful monitoring of nutritional status and diet quality.
Population
Patients with celiac disease (CeD).
Effective Dosage
Not Assessed
Duration
Not Assessed
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
gluten-free diet | decrease | nutritional outcomes | patients with CeD | - | has the potential for adverse nutritional outcomes | #1 |
gluten-free diet | decrease | nutritional adequacy | - | - | can be nutritionally inadequate | #2 |
gluten-free diet | decrease | vitamin and mineral levels | - | - | is frequently associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies | #3 |
gluten-free diet | increase | sugar and fat intake | - | - | is associated with excessive sugar and fat intake | #4 |
gluten-free diet | increase | rates of overweight and obesity | people with CeD | - | people with CeD are affected by higher rates of overweight and obesity | #5 |
gluten-free diet | increase | rates of metabolic complications | people with CeD | - | people with CeD are affected by higher rates of metabolic complications | #6 |
Celiac disease (CeD) is the most common immune condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract; it is triggered by gluten and the only available treatment is a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). Therefore, for patients with CeD, adopting a GFD is not a lifestyle choice. The major problem is that a GFD is restrictive and, like all restrictive diets, it has the potential for adverse nutritional outcomes, especially if adopted for a long term. It is well known that GFD can be nutritionally inadequate and is frequently associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies; it is also associated with excessive sugar and fat intake, particularly when gluten-free substitutes are consumed. Consequently, people with CeD are affected by higher rates of overweight and obesity and metabolic complications, such as fatty liver and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, assessment of nutritional status and diet quality at diagnosis and while on a long-term GFD is key in the management of CeD. This narrative review addresses nutritional considerations in CeD and management of common challenges associated with a GFD.