Relatively New And Learning To Deal. . . Low Iron?

[pocahontas30]

In the last 2 months, 3 of my 5 children have been diagnosed with celiac and the 4th is likely NCGI. We are doing ok with the change in diet so far, but I just got a call that my 11 yr old son has iron deficiency. He was put on iron and vitamin C to help absorb this. The thing is that it was his pulmonologist that prescribed it. I told them that my son was just diagnosed with celiac and asked if that could be a cause for the deficiency. The nurse had no idea, and so I was wondering if any of you could tell me if it's likely that he is low on iron because of celiac? My son has been dealing with somewhat severe asthma for the past year, and has recently gone through a myriad of tests to find out what may be triggering it, and if he is low on antibodies etc. I'm also wondering if there are any probiotics (gummies?) that are safe for celiac kids to take, and would this help them to absorb more nutrients? One frustration I'm having is that I got the call that my kids are celiac and was told the dr. would see me in 6 months. I had to ask for a referral to a nutritionist, and wait 2 months to see them. I feel like any info I get on this disease is from the internet. Any advice or help is appreciated!

[notme]

if he is a celiac, he is probably iron deficient among other vitamins and minerals.  celiac causes your small intestine to not absorb necessary vitamins and nutrients.  a pro-biotic is good, but really the gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac.  once you get him completely gluten free, you will probably be surprised at how many seemingly unrelated symptoms improve or disappear. 

 

yeah, the medical profession is pretty clueless about most of this stuff.  my doctor actually referred me to *here* 

 

welcome to the forum - ask away - there are plenty of moms on here with good practical advice.  good luck!

[cyclinglady]

That's how I was diagnosed -- low iron stores.  

 

Anyway, I was told to take iron for a couple months.  Vitamin C helps with absorption.  He should be checked in a couple of months.  As his intestines heal, he probably won't need it.  In the meantime, probiotics are good and add gummy multi-vitamins, omega 3's and calcium.  Once the tips of the villi go, the first minerals affected tend to be iron and calcium.  Again, this will come back with healing.  But since your son's growing bones, it's important to add extra calcium into his diet.  Same goes for his sibilings.  

 

Of course a good healthy diet full of fruit and veggies is always important and vitamins can't replace what good food has to offer.  

 

Since you have 3, possibly four, children who need to be gluten free, I'd COMPLETELY eliminate gluten in your house.  The other gluten eaters can go out for treats with family and friends.  It's hard, though not impossible, to avoid cross contamination in your home -- especially with kids.  

 

Wash hands when coming back home from school!  It's a good habit my gluten eating daughter does every day!  No need to contaminate Mom and Dad!!

 

Finally, I was symptom free before I was diagnosed.  Now, seven months later, when I get "gutened" accidentally, I know it.  I get pretty sick and it takes a week to feel well.

 

Welcome to the board!

[Pegleg84]

Yup, Iron deficiency can definitely be a symptom/sign of malabsorption. Was your 11 year old diagnosed, or is he the one who might have NCGS? Get him to take the iron first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) with vitamin c or a glass of orange juice. It will absorb better. Not sure about probiotics.

 

If the majority of your kids are Celiac, then I hope you and your husband have been tested as well. You should probably make your entire household gluten free, just for simplicity's sake to avoid cross contamination or worrying about who can eat what. The good news is by the time they're adults they'll be Gluten Free pros, and will avoid a lot of the long-term complications of undiagnosed Celiac.

 

Good luck!

 

(I was typing away at the same time as the above post, so apologies for repeat info)

[cyclinglady]

Since I have to take thyroid meds in the morning, I take my iron with vit.C right before I go to bed.  I'd also strongly advise, that you start off every other day or every two days and build to one a day.  Iron can cause constipation for some.  

[1desperateladysaved]

Pro-biotics contain good bacteria which do help break down nutrients   I have seen gummy's with it in  the health food store.  I am not sure if the gummys are effective or not.  My probiotics say they are best taken on an empty stomach.  You may also try a probiotic powder.  I combine mine with water and drink it.  My brand is Restore Probiotic and it contains nothing but 3 strains of pro-biotic.

[pocahontas30]

Thanks for the replies and the support!