Celiac Disease

CD: Bone Density (2006)

• Intervention
  What is the long-term effectiveness in people with celiac disease of following a gluten-free dietary pattern on bone density?

  • Conclusion

    Clinical trials and cross-sectional studies have reported reduced bone mineral content and bone mineral density in untreated children, adolescents and adults with celiac disease; both of these parameters improve significantly with compliance to a gluten-free dietary pattern for at least 1 year.  Compliance with dietary treatment initiated during childhood or adolescence allows achievement of a normal bone mineralization.  However, studies in untreated adults have shown that a gluten-free dietary pattern improves but may not normalize bone mineral density; successful treatment depends on the age at diagnosis, as patients who do not receive treatment in childhood and adolescence may never reach peak bone mass.  Further studies are needed regarding the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral content and bone mineral density, as well as hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women. 

  • Grade: I
    • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
    • Grade II is Fair;
    • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
    • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
    • Grade V is Not Assignable.
    • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
    • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
    • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
    • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
    • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
  • Evidence Summary: What is the long-term effectiveness of following a gluten-free dietary pattern on bone density?
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
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    • Worksheets
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  • Search Plan and Results: CD: Bone Density 2007