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Cesarean sections linked to celiac disease

Category: Autoimmune Diseases

Mothers who delivered their children by cesarean section may want to consider seeking a celiac disease test for their children, as a new study has found a link between the method of birth and an intolerance of gluten.

Individuals who suffer from celiac disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If undiagnosed, the condition can lead to damage to the gastrointestinal tract, weight loss and malnutrition.

Researchers weren't sure why children born by cesarean section are more likely to develop the disease, but speculated that they may not be exposed to the same variety of microbes as children born by traditional birth.

"We are only beginning to understand the complexity of the host-microbial interaction at the intestinal mucosa, and it is difficult to make firm conclusions at this stage," said lead investigator Mathias Hornef.

The disease is four times more prevalent than it was 50 years ago, according to researchers from the Mayo Clinic.