My 4 Year Old Has Been Gluten-Free For 2 Years But Still Seems To Be Very Small And Complains Of Muscle Pain

[katifer]

We found that my four year old has Celiac when he was 2 years old because he was not growing, hardly eating, hardly slept etc. He has been gluten-free for the last 2 years. I only cook gluten-free meals, and there is almost no gluten in our house. We are very careful and his school is careful.But he is very,very little still and he hates being small:( He has just started complaining that his legs hurt all the time.I give him a multi-vit., calcium, vit-D drops, and fish oil...what am i missing?? we live on an island out of the U.S that has very little blood testing options...if we are back in the States in the summer are there tests that you regularly have your child have. Any thoughts? What would you do? thanks for your time!!

[dilettantesteph]

Some of us are more sensitive to trace gluten levels than others. My son and I had to go to all naturally gluten free non processed foods to be symptom free. We also have to wash everything like crazy. Maybe try cutting down on some of the processed foods would help your son too.

[Skylark]

If you're feeding him oats, take those out. I wonder about growing pains with the legs, because he's right at the age for them. Is that a possibility? A pediatrician should be able to tell since they see it all the time.

[Beth03456]

My 4 yo has been gluten-free for a year and is also very small (3%) for weight. He's gotten a bit taller since going gluten-free, but he's still very short. It really bothers him and he gets frustrated about it. Our doctor encouraged us to give him Ensure or Pediasure to make sure he is getting enough calories. He's 4 1/2 now, and does seem to have gained a bit more weight, but I think its still on the same curve. He is doing well on the diet and hasn't had any cross-contamination based on blood tests. The doctors think its just his normal size for now. I have no advice but I thought I'd let you know you aren't alone with a small child.

[ravenwoodglass]

Are you and the school avoiding gluten in stuff like playdoh and glues for crafting stuff? That can be a gluten source that gets skipped.