Gluten is the general term for a group of storage proteins found in grains like wheat, barley and rye that trigger an autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease, or CD. While there are other forms of gluten in grains like rice and corn, these forms don't cause gluten-sensitivity responses. Since children may be picky eaters during their toddler years, it can be challenging for parents to serve gluten-free foods that appeal to busy youngsters. Still, the Celiac Sprue Association says, "The best and only known treatment for CD is simply this: a lifelong elimination of 'gluten'."
Effects
When children with celiac disease eat or drink something that contains gluten, their bodies identify the protein as a foreign body and launch an attack. This autoimmune response damages the villi, small fingerlike projections inside the wall of the small intestine. The damaged villi become less effective at absorbing vital nutrients from the child's intestine, leading to malnutrition, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, or NFCA.
Forbidden Foods
Ironically, many of the most popular toddler foods are gluten-laden. Most breads, cakes, pies, cookies, crackers, pasta and flour sold in grocery stores contain gluten. Processed foods like soup, lunch meat and hot dogs are potential sources of gluten, notes the Celiac Sprue Association. Finally, gluten is often used as a stabilizer in condiments like ketchup and instant or processed beverages.
Good Choices
On a more positive note, the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center points out, "remember that five of the six fresh food groups are gluten-free!" Parents can safely offer plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meats that are fresh, unprocessed and free from food additives. The Celiac Sprue Association also approves choking-proofed versions of peanuts and tree nuts, as well as lentils and chickpeas for gluten-free toddlers.
Substitutes
There's never been a better time to explore some of the less common, but gluten-free, grains and starches. Toddlers with gluten sensitivity can safely ingest corn, cornmeal, quinoa, rice, hominy grits and buckwheat. Favorites like french fries, popcorn and peanut butter are gluten-free, says the Celiac Sprue Association. For home baking, the NFCA recommends gluten-free ingredients like rice flour, almond meal flour, coconut flour or potato flour.
Tips
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness website contains detailed listings of gluten-free vendors and brands, along with recipes and cookbooks, to help parents prepare gluten-free meals for their toddlers.
Warnings
When preparing gluten-free foods at home, it's important to avoid cross-contamination from gluten-laden foods. Store gluten-free purchases in a separate cupboard, wash food preparation surfaces thoroughly and watch for toddlers who like to sample foods being prepared in the kitchen.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Blog: Feeding a Toddler Who is a Picky Eater
- Celiac Sprue Association: Treatment of Celiac Disease
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Getting Started: Celiac Disease & the Gluten-Free Diet
- Celiac Sprue Association: Basic Diet Choices
- The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center: Gluten-Free Diet
- Celiac Sprue Association: Gluten-Free Diet: Grains and Flours
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