<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
Yesterday, Jenny <[log in to unmask]> said:
 
>I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter who was diagnosed  when she was 16
>months.  I would like to think that I have been very successful in
>avoiding all gluten in her diet.  However, there is a possibility that
>she may have accidently gotten small amounts from time to time but has
>not displayed symtoms. <snip> I would like to know if there is a
>possibilty that she could be deficient in certain vitamins or minerals.
>As she grows up, should I keep a check on this through blood tests?  I
>hate to just give vitamin supplements thoughout her life and hope that
>does it.
 
I am NOT a medical professional, and I know that I am wandering into a
controversial area by making this comment.  Personally I see very little
risk, and high _possible_  benefit, of giving every celiac child a
gluten-free multiple vitamin/mineral supplement, such as those made by Freeda
in New York City (800-777 -3737) or Allergy Research Group in California
(800-782-4274).  There are so many possible subtle deficiencies that can
occur in celiac (often difficult to diagnose), and outside the celiac field
it seems every day a new study is published showing moderate amounts of one
particular vitamin or another is helfpul for something.
 
My college roommate went on to Harvard Medical School and was always the most
skeptical person I have ever met.  Even he takes supplements now.  As he puts
it: "If I am right, my health improves. If I am wrong, my urine is a little
more expensive than it need be (i.e. at moderate doses, the excess leaves the
body).
 
>One other question:  I understand that there is a study going on where
>baby teeth from siblings of a Celiac child are needed.  Does anyone know
>if participants are still needed and if so, who do I contact?
 
I am told that more participants ARE needed (both celiacs and siblings).
Contact Elaine Monarch at the Celiac Disease Foundation for details, she is
collecting the teeth. She can be reached at <[log in to unmask]> and (818) 990
2354.
 
Bill Elkus
Los Angeles