Testing Baby For Celiac

[Linda74]

Hi. I am a new member. Just diagnosed with celiac disease last week after antibodies and biopsy. Developed symptoms after pregnancy. Now I have a four and a half month old baby and I am wondering if I need to get him tested. he is still only getting formula and breast milk. Is there gluten in similac? If not, he would not be expected to have antibodies if he had never been exposed to gluten. He is growing very well as of now. Can anyone help?

[lovegrov]

Whether or not your child is getting gluten, this is WAY, WAY too young to have him tested. The tests would not be accurate. 20 months at the earliest if he starts having symptoms. And don't deny him gluten just because you have it.

Your child should be tesed eventually (as should ANY first-degree relatives), but barring any symptoms you should wait at least two years, maybe more.

richard

[MySuicidalTurtle]

I had reactions as soon as I was on formula. . .so my mom had to find a special one (this was 19 years go). You should really talk to your doctor about when to test.

[lovegrov]

I would definitely talk to the doctor and I would definitely get him tested when he gets older, symptoms or not, but as long as he's growing well and symptomless, he's simply too young to worry about testing now. Relax and enjoy.

richard

[Linda74]

Thanks everyone for your responses. The doctor said we should start introducing food as we normally would ( a little more carefully b/c of my other allergies). I guess I am just worried that he will get sick and I won't pick up on it right away and then he will become malnourished which at his age could be very detrimental. I know I am overreacting, but I am still getting used to the idea, I guess. I definitely don't want to deny him stuff, especially if he doesn't have it. I have tried talking to my brother about himself and his son, but didn't get a very good response. He said neither of them were sick, so why should they go get tested? Any suggestions? Thanks again, Linda

[lovegrov]

You can't do much more with your brother than tell him that the NIH and all celiac experts say first-degree relatives should be tested (the son doesn't need testing unless your brother has it). My father, brother, sister, son and daughter, none of whom had obvious symptoms, all got tested and my father was positive.

richard