Nutritional status of patients with celiac disease in Oran pediatric clinic

Introduction Celiac disease (CD) is an enteropathy that requires a gluten-free diet (GFD), a restriction often generating nutritional imbalances Objective. to assess the nutritional status of a pediatric CD population. Population and methods. Among 84 CD patients recruited, 64 were retained (37 F/27M) and aged 1-<17 years old (1-<5 y (n=24), 5-<10 y (n=17), and 10-<17 y (n=23)). The anthropometric measurements, parents education level and profession were collected. Eating habits, GFD quality, daily energy expenditure (DEE) were evaluated. Food consumption was estimated by a 24 hour recall, followed by a 3 day record. Results were compared to the recommended intakes (RI). Results. Nine % of 1-<5 y CD were thin, and 19% were overweight/obese. Significant improvement of body mass index (BMI) z-score was noted in CD girls (p<0.0001), and boys (p<0.01), after GFD. Non-existent breakfast was noted in 23% of children and 22% of adolescents. Sugary drinks consumption was observed in 38% of 1-<5 y infants, and snacking was found in 79% of them, as well as, in half of 5-<10 y, and 10-<17 y population. Twenty six % of adolescents had GFD voluntary deviations. Energy balance (total energy intake (TEI) - DEE) was positive in 5-<10 y, and negative in 10-<17 y. In all CD population, breakfast energy intake was lower than RI, but was important for snack time, also during morning snack in 1-<5 y and 5-<10 y infants. Simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids intakes were higher than RI, and iron and vitamin (Vit.) D deficiency was noted in CD population. Adolescents had low calcium and zinc intakes. Conclusion. The studied CD pediatric population presents some nutritional imbalances, requiring a dietary monitoring.