Children with coeliac disease 'at risk of weak bones'

Published on 26 Jul 2010

Scientists have suggested that children with coeliac disease should take extra vitamins to reduce their risk of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis.

Coeliac disease is a common digestive condition in which a person has an adverse reaction to a protein called gluten, which is present in wheat, barley and rye.

Sufferers experience diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal pain if they consume gluten, and their small intestine can become damaged.

A research team at the University of Alberta looked at the bone health of 43 children, aged three to 18, who had been diagnosed with coeliac disease.

They found that the youngsters tended to have low bone density - a problem that is probably caused by poor intake and absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Children with coeliac disease were also found to be getting less than half of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin K - which is found in green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and cereals - and had low levels of vitamin D.

According to Diana Mager, professor of agricultural, food and nutritional science at the University of Alberta, affected youngsters should consider boosting their intake of vitamins K and D, which are known to be important for healthy bones.

She revealed: "Children with coeliac disease are at risk for poor bone health, but by adding vitamins K and D to their diets, it can help reduce the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

"Enjoying activities such as walking and running outdoors when there is more sunshine is a great way to contribute to healthy bones."