A new study being done is looking at if adding gluten to an Infant or Newborns diet by 4-6 ages can result in the prevention of future celiac disease. Take a look at it for yourself.

I am not sure now I feel about this idea for two reasons. First, from what I know about food diseases (celiacs disease, galactosemia), food allergies or intolerances these issues tend to sprout up related to the food that their ancestors ate. For example, Japanese or Chinese people tend to have allergies to rice while Italians and other Europeans are more allergic to wheat, rye and barley. Lactose intolerance is also more common in people with an ancestral connection to farmers. Secondly, for other allergies (non food) such as dust, cockroaches and some plants my allergist has discussed with me that some of these issues come about and intensify because of exposure to these things.

These two things together, in my mind, would suggest that ‘curing’ Celiac Disease by exposure may not actually result in the expected outcome. That is of course, if CD acts the same way as other food diseases, allergies and intolerances. Which I think it does. I am hopeful that these children are closely watched for negative effects, as I assume they would be. I also am hopeful that the study has some positive outcomes, even if I am skeptical. I guess it’s the researcher in me talking.

What are your thoughts?