May
10
Written by:
Emily Sherman
5/10/2011 9:27 AM
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Birth month linked to celiac disease
Celiac disease is more common among children born in the spring and summer months, according to a study from the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children.
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder triggered by consuming the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread and other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. It can damage the small intestine and make it difficult to absorb certain nutrients, causing problems ranging from abdominal pain to nerve damage.
Examining data on 382 Massachusetts children diagnosed with celiac disease between 11 months and 19 years of age, researchers found that in the 15- to 19-year-old set, birth season appeared to make no difference. But among 317 children younger than 15 years of age, 57 percent were born in the "light" season of March through August, compared with 43 percent who were born in the "dark" season of September through February. The study's findings suggest the season of a child's birth is another potential risk factor.
Article Source: http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110510/HEALTH/105100315/Birth-month-linked-celiac-disease