Evaluation of the diet of a selected group of children with coeliac disease.

Introduction: Gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only effective treatment for coeliac disease. The aim of GFD is to provide all necessary nutrients, excluding products containing gluten or products contaminated with it.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the diet of a selected group of children with coeliac disease by analysing the frequency of consumption of basic food groups.

Material and methods: The study involved a group of 50 children between the ages of 1 and 10, whose parents completed food frequency questionnaires and a 7-day diary of current notes. The large age range precluded quantitative assessment of intake, so further analysis was qualitative. The assessment was based on the Diet Quality Indicators (DQI).

Results: The results indicated a low variety of vegetables consumed, especially raw, and the proportion of fruit and fruit preparations significantly exceeding the amount of vegetables consumed. The GFD was dominated by light gluten-free bread and rice and millet groats. The main sources of animal protein were meat and its products and eggs, there was a very low consumption of fish and low consumption of legumes and unsweetened fermented dairy drinks. Water, flavoured waters and fruit juices and drinks were the main liquids consumed in the study group of children. In school-aged children were observed to consume frequent (daily, several times a week) sweet snacks and toast. The majority of patients complied with the GFD, however, deviations were noted, of which the children's parents were informed.

Conclusions: The assessment of GFD quality in most of the studied children indicated a need to improve its quality, particularly in terms of increasing the intake of vegetables and reducing the intake of easily digestible carbohydrates. Regular monitoring of GFD quality and education of children and parents on the principles of GFD and proper nutrition.