Introducing Gluten To A Toddler When The Rest Of The Family Is gluten-free?

[BlueTaelon]

I have Celiac as does 1 of my 2 kids so the whole house is gluten-free. My 3 yr old did not get the gene, she did react as an infant though when I would get glutened but its been at least 2 years since the last accident. I would like to find out if she tolerates gluten so I don't have to stress so much about her getting glutened when were out or she's at daycare or what ever.

Question is, how to introduce it? Whats normal and whats not? Obviously obvious celiac symptoms would mean stop she's intolerant but some degree of adjustment would be normal wouldn't it? I mean her body needs to learn how to digest it and what not I would think.

[brigala]

I don't think any significant reaction would be normal. I eat new foods all the time and my body doesn't have to get used to them. Remember the first time you ate something made from teff flour? Or quinoa? Or some other weird thing us Celiacs eat that nobody else does? People get new foods introduced throughout their lives, and if they have a reaction they don't consider it "normal adjustment" -- they consider it a food allergy or intolerance.

So, that would be my take on it. I would just ask Grandma or the Babysitter or someone to give her a graham cracker (no sense bringing it into the house) and let you know if she has any adverse reactions (strange behavior, strange poo, complains of tummy ache... anything). If nothing happens, then I wouldn't worry about it.

That's just my unprofessional, uneducated guess on the matter...

[ravenwoodglass]

I don't think any significant reaction would be normal. I eat new foods all the time and my body doesn't have to get used to them. Remember the first time you ate something made from teff flour? Or quinoa? Or some other weird thing us Celiacs eat that nobody else does? People get new foods introduced throughout their lives, and if they have a reaction they don't consider it "normal adjustment" -- they consider it a food allergy or intolerance.

So, that would be my take on it. I would just ask Grandma or the Babysitter or someone to give her a graham cracker (no sense bringing it into the house) and let you know if she has any adverse reactions (strange behavior, strange poo, complains of tummy ache... anything). If nothing happens, then I wouldn't worry about it.

That's just my unprofessional, uneducated guess on the matter...

I agree completely with this. If she doesn't have an issue with a food there will be no reaction, period. Also be aware that if you are challenging gluten foods with her you should give it to her three times a day for a week before you decide she is fine with it. Reactions can be delayed. In addition even if she does not react now that does not mean she will never react and your doctor should be aware and look for celiac if at any time in the future symptoms pop up.