Mama trying to help 3 year old!!!

[Stuartpope]

Hey yall!

 New Celiac mama trying to help my son!

My 3 year old was just diagnosed with Marsh 3b by a biopsy. We started this journey due to him being severely anemic (ferritin levels 1.2) He has had  3 iron infusions to help with the anemia. He has also been gluten free for a month. He is still having leg/ joint pain( he described a burning/ hurting) Im trying to help with his leg pain. He has trouble playing ( spending most days on the couch) He tells me 5/6X a day that his legs are hurting. Gets worse when walking or  playing. We have done OTC pain meds/ heating pad/ warm baths. What else can I do to help him be a kid.

 

 

Thanks for the help 

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, @Stuartpope!

With Marsh 3b damage to the villous lining of the small bowel, your son is likely deficient in a number of vitamin and minerals due to poor absorption, not just iron. B12 and all the other B vitamins are likely low. I would suggest looking into a high quality gluten-free B complex, D3, magnesium glycinate (the form of magnesium is important) and zinc. A children's multivitamin likely will not be potent enough. We commonly recommend this combo of vitamins and minerals to new celiacs as adults. Thing is, you would want to consult with a pediatrician about dosage because of his young age. In time, with the gluten-free diet his villi will rebound but he may need a kick start right now with some high potency supplements.

[Stuartpope]

Thank you for the input. We go back to the GI doctor in June- she wants to do more labs to check vitamin levels( not sure why the didn't check all at once with the iron being so low) and recheck inflammatory levels. Just trying to find him some relief in the meantime.

[Scott Adams]

I’m so sorry your little one is going through this. Celiac recovery can take time (sometimes months for gut healing), but the ongoing leg pain is concerning. Since his anemia was severe, have his doctors checked his other nutrient levels? Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D, or B12 could contribute to muscle/joint pain. A pediatric GI or rheumatologist might also explore if there’s concurrent inflammation or autoimmune involvement (like juvenile arthritis, which sometimes overlaps with celiac). Gentle massage, Epsom salt baths (for magnesium absorption), or low-impact activities like swimming could help ease discomfort while he heals. Keep advocating for him—you’re doing an amazing job!