VITAMINS NECESSARY FOR CHILDREN WITH CELIAC DISEASE
University of Alberta professor of agricultural food and nutritional science Dr Diana Mager and her associates studied 43 children aged 3 to 18 with celiac disease - an autoimmune disease that renders sufferers intolerant to gluten - and found that they are often deficient in important nutrients like vitamin K and D. The researchers established that the children were consuming, on average, less than 50 percent of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin K as well as experiencing reduced levels of vitamin D. The subjects also had low bone density or osteopenia, which is likely a result of poor vitamin and mineral intake and absorption. Mager stated that "children with celiac 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." She also recommended that these children increase physical activity to build bone strength and spend time outdoors to increase vitamin D levels.