Diet of infants is mostly laden with wheat-based dishes. However, research carried out in Denmark has revealed that excess gluten intake in childhood increases the risk of type 1 diabetes in infants
A recent study in Denmark has revealed that women who consume a high gluten diet during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of Type-1 diabetes in infants. When the amount of gluten in the diet is high, it can harm a baby's health. In this new study, researchers took into consideration the effect of gluten on infants right from the 18th month of the pregnancy in women. It was revealed that by this age, the consumption of 10 grams of extra gluten increases the risk of type 1 diabetes in infants by 46 per cent.
Study Proceedings
The research covered 86,306 cases. The research team included Dr Nicolai Lund-Blix and colleagues from the University Hospital of Oslo and researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in Oslo, Norway. The research was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain, 16–20 September.
It was found that from 22 weeks of gestation to 18 months after the birth of a child, the mother and baby's gluten intake has the most impact on the baby's health. This increases health risk even if there is an additional gluten per ten grams, adding to the risk of Type-1 diabetes in infants by 46 per cent.
Also Read: Everything you should know about gluten-free diet and its benefits
Importance Of Gluten
Gluten is known to all, which is a substance present in wheat, barley, etc. It is a type of protein. However, its excess can be dangerous for health. There is gluten in every meal made from wheat like bread, oatmeal, pasta etc.
Generally, infants are introduced to gluten right from the time they are given solids. But dieticians recommend that the mother should take the right amount of gluten in pregnancy, and even introduce the same in the baby's diet after six months of the birth. In some cases, there can chances that the baby may develop an allergy from gluten. In such a situation, consult a doctor. To avoid any allergic reaction to gluten, it is essential that the mother takes exceptional care of her diet during pregnancy and even take precautions while introducing gluten in the infant's diet.
Also Read: Celiac Disease: Everything you need to Know
Important points to consider while introducing gluten in the baby's diet:
- If the baby has a higher risk of developing celiac disease, consult a doctor before introducing gluten in the diet.
- No solids with gluten should be given to a baby before four months.
- To check signs of reactions, look for 2-3 days after introducing gluten in the baby's diet.
- Those with a higher risk of developing celiac diseases should be breastfed as long as possible.
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