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Hi there group.  Can anyone give insight/ make suggestions for an
acquaintance of mine, with the following concern about her daughter:

The child is age seven, and about ten days ago a nutritionist diagnosed
celiac disease from antibody test.  There has not been a biopsy and the
child hasn't seen a gi doctor.  The mom put her on a gluten-free diet, and
has also removed several other foods from the diet:  eggs, dairy, and
chocolate are those i know about.  This is all based on advice from the
nuitritionist, who ordered blood tests for food allergies.  The nutritionist
also ordered massive nutritional supplements, specially mixed at a pharmacy
for this child.  I am not knowledgeable about exactly what is in the
supplements.

When the child was eating gluten, her main symptoms were severe
constipation, behavioral/emotional symptoms such as severe tantrums, pains
(like cramping) in her hands and feet, and alopecia.  When she was
considerably younger she had the more classic symptoms of extreme diaarhea
and bloated belly.

Now after nine days gluten free, this child has developed extreme diarrhea,
fatigue, and loss of appetite.   The mother wants to know whether the
supplements might be to blame, or if going gluten-free could have this
effect.

My own suggestion was to either stop or reduce the supplements, give her
bland simple food and plenty of liquids, and make an appt. with good
pediatric gi.  But it occurs to me that this gorup may have some expereince
or suggestions which could help this mom.  ANy ideas out there?  Thanks,
Lynn

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *