Can celiac cause growth hormone deficiency?

In this issue of Indian Journal of Pediatrics, Walia et al. have evaluated the growth hormone axis in 10 children with celiac disease (CD) who failed to have catch-up growth on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and found that 70% had concomitant growth hormone deficiency (GHD) [1].

Can celiac disease cause short stature?

One of the most common extra-intestinal manifestations of CD is short stature, and in some patients, short stature may be the presenting and only symptom of the disease, making the diagnosis of CD challenging.

Why does celiac disease cause stunted growth?

“Traditionally, poor growth has been attributed to severe damage to the small intestine absorptive surface leading to malabsorption of essential nutrients,” but other factors may be involved, Assa said.

Does HGH deficiency cause short stature?

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism, is a condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body. Children with GHD have abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. GHD can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired).

Can celiac disease stunt your growth?

Celiac disease can cause damage to small intestines. It can affect a child’s growth and development.

Does celiac affect growth?

The only presenting clinical feature of diagnosing celiac disease (CD) late may be short stature. At the start of treatment with a gluten-free diet (GFD), celiac children show an accelerated growth rate. The real duration of catch-up growth and influence of diet on the final stature has not yet been defined.

Can a child grow out of celiac disease?

This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, and barley. Individuals with celiac disease cannot outgrow the disease since it is a lifelong autoimmune disorder like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Celiac disease is not a food allergy; rather it is an autoimmune disease.

Can a child grow out of gluten intolerance?

A gluten intolerance is a long-term problem. You or your child will not “grow out of it.” If you do not follow the diet prescribed by the doctor or RDN, the problems will continue and get worse over time.

Can celiac stop growth?

The risk of CD in patients with isolated stunted growth or short stature has been calculated as 10-40% (9,10). Impaired growth in children with CD results mainly from nutritional deficits, and withdrawal of gluten from the diet is frequently associated with a marked improvement of linear growth within two years (11).

What are symptoms of HGH deficiency?

A person who has too little adult growth hormone will have symptoms that include:

  • A higher level of body fat, especially around the waist.
  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Decreased sexual function and interest.
  • Fatigue.
  • Feelings of being isolated from other people.
  • Greater sensitivity to heat and cold.
  • Less muscle (lean body mass)

Does HGH Help autoimmune disease?

Several studies have linked GH with autoimmune diseases, although its effects on the immune system are still debated. Whereas some reports using GH-deficient mice indicate that it does not affect immune competence (2), others suggest that GH is necessary for correct immune system development (1, 3).

Can celiac disease delayed puberty?

The disease may delay puberty and slow down growth in the teenage years. Adults who develop celiac disease may have only mild intestinal problems, but most don’t get off easy. Adult patients often feel tired, irritable, and depressed.

Can a child with celiac disease be short?

Many children with celiac disease are shorter than their non-celiac peers—in fact, what’s called “short stature” can suggest that a child (even one with no other symptoms of celiac disease) actually suffers from the condition. 1 

Why does my celiac child have a growth spurt?

Your child may have a growth hormone deficiency or another hormonal problem, or she may simply be destined to be short as an adult. If you have concerns about your celiac child’s growth, you should discuss them with your pediatrician.

How many children in the world have celiac disease?

Several studies have investigated how many children with short stature actually suffer from celiac disease. They have found rates of celiac from about 3% to more than 8% in children with otherwise unexplained short stature.

Why does my child get short after going gluten free?

There also could be other, non-celiac-related reasons if your child continues to lag behind in height even after going gluten-free. Your child may have a growth hormone deficiency or another hormonal problem, or she may simply be destined to be short as an adult.