Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Celiac and Osteoporosis in Kids?

napergirl66

Recommended Posts

napergirl66 Newbie
napergirl66
Posted

My 13 yr old recently got diagnosed with osteoporosis, based on a DXA scan. Her blood work was positive for Celiac and she had an endoscopy today, which the GI doc believes will confirm the diagnosis. He however, commented that he does not think the Celiac is causing the osteoporosis. She's not underweight, she is asymptomatic, she's growing normally. He's not second guessing that she has Celiac, he just doesn't think it is the cause of her osteoporosis. Has anyone had any experience with this? Her thyroid levels tested in the normal range. Any help?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Altoma Newbie
Altoma
Posted
46 minutes ago, napergirl66 said:

My 13 yr old recently got diagnosed with osteoporosis, based on a DXA scan. Her blood work was positive for Celiac and she had an endoscopy today, which the GI doc believes will confirm the diagnosis. He however, commented that he does not think the Celiac is causing the osteoporosis. She's not underweight, she is asymptomatic, she's growing normally. He's not second guessing that she has Celiac, he just doesn't think it is the cause of her osteoporosis. Has anyone had any experience with this? Her thyroid levels tested in the normal range. Any help?

Celiac disease, if confirmed by biopsy, is the most likely cause of osteoporosis even if the patient does not have diarrhea. 

The risk of having osteoporosis correlates with the severity of small bowel histological change. Furthermore, the mechanism of osteoporosis relates to some inflammatory mediators causing depletion of bone calcium. 

See this: page 18 of : https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2050640619844125

Or

https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2050640619844125

 

 

Ennis-TX Grand Master
Ennis-TX
Posted

Another correlation is celiacs have issues absorbing magnesium which directly correlates with calcium loss from bones and demineralization.  Along with the inability to utilize calcium. We also are prone to dental issues and bone breaks. -_-  I have snapped a tooth in half before.

http://www.magnesiumoil.com/magnesium-health/calcium-osteoporosis

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I have osteoporosis and was diagnosed with celiac disease after the age of 50.  I had no GI symptoms, just anemia.  Within months of my celiac disease diagnosis, I fractured my back doing NOTHING!  That was how my osteoporosis diagnosis was caught.  I can tell you that I am normal size.  Not all celiacs are wasting away.  Some are overweight, tall .....whatever!  Your GI is basing this on old information.  

I also had two types of anemia.  One is genetic.  Despite being anemic my entire life, I still was very active.  Did century rides, triathlons, etc.  It is amazing how the body can adapt!  

Within months on a gluten-free diet, my iron deficiency anemia resolved.  Within a year, I was feeling pretty good.  I get DEXA scans every two years.  My first year, I opted to treat my osteoporosis with hormones.  Once I regained the ability to digest lactose, I consumed a diet full of dairy and leafy green veggies, etc.  At my age (past menopause), I am not going to rebuild bones like I did in my teens.  Your daughter, once gluten-free and healed from celiac disease, should recover.  My non-medical advice is to avoid processed foods especially bone-leaching ones like soda pop.  I encourage you to research this.  

Lin the meantime, have her exercise, but avoid things that could easily break bones.  I gave up skating and skiing for a while.  Back to skating now.  Love teaching the kids!  

https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/conditions-behaviors/celiac

I hope she feels better fast!  

napergirl66 Newbie
napergirl66
Posted
  • Author

Would it be strange though if her vitamin D and calcium levels were normal??

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

I am not a doctor, but I can share my personal experience.  The only thing that I was low on was ferritin which led my GI to test me for celiac disease.  I was never deficient in anything else yet I had Marsh Stage IIIB damage.   I went in for a routine colonoscopy (and added an endoscopy) because I had hit 50 years old (and all my friends were getting them ?).  I had no GI issues.  I have a genetic anemia, so when my hemoglobin dropped, it was blamed on my monthly menstrual cycle.  But I actually had two anemias (the iron-deficiency one resolved once I went gluten free).  I think my body learned to adapt to my anemias.  I also lived with a gluten-free eater, so I was very gluten light for over a decade.  

There was no indication that I had osteoporosis until I experienced fractures.  

 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,925
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    LJ11
    Newest Member
    LJ11
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70.5k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      How many grams is there in one slice of wheat bread?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      The first set of results show two positive results for celiac disease, so at the very least it looks like you could have it, or at the least NCGS.   Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.      
    • Scott Adams
      Confused with test results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Elevated tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) levels are highly specific for celiac disease, and they are a key biomarker used in its diagnosis. However, there are some rare instances where elevated tTG-IgA levels have been reported in conditions other than celiac disease. While these cases are not common, they have been documented in the literature. Below are some examples and references to studies or reviews that discuss these scenarios:  1. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)    - NCGS typically does not cause elevated tTG-IgA levels, as it is not an autoimmune condition. However, some individuals with NCGS may have mild elevations in tTG-IgA due to intestinal inflammation or other factors, though this is not well-documented in large studies.    - Reference: Catassi, C., et al. (2013). *Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: The New Frontier of Gluten-Related Disorders*. Nutrients, 5(10), 3839–3853. [DOI:10.3390/nu5103839](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5103839)  2. Autoimmune Diseases    - Elevated tTG-IgA levels have been reported in other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune hepatitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is thought to be due to cross-reactivity or polyautoimmunity.    - Reference: Sblattero, D., et al. (2000). *The Role of Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase in the Diagnosis and Management of Celiac Disease*. Autoimmunity Reviews, 1(3), 129–135. [DOI:10.1016/S1568-9972(01)00022-3](https://doi.org/10.1016/S1568-9972(01)00022-3)  3. Chronic Liver Disease    - Conditions like chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis can sometimes lead to elevated tTG-IgA levels, possibly due to increased intestinal permeability or immune dysregulation.    - Reference: Vecchi, M., et al. (2003). *High Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Role for Gluten-Free Diet?* Gastroenterology, 125(5), 1522–1523. [DOI:10.1016/j.gastro.2003.08.031](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gastro.2003.08.031)  4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)    - Some patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may have elevated tTG-IgA levels due to intestinal inflammation and damage, though this is not common.    - Reference: Walker-Smith, J. A., et al. (1990). *Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease*. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 10(3), 389–391. [DOI:10.1097/00005176-199004000-00020](https://doi.org/10.1097/00005176-199004000-00020)  5. Infections and Parasites    - While infections (e.g., giardiasis) are more commonly associated with false-positive tTG-IgA results, chronic infections or parasitic infestations can sometimes lead to elevated levels due to mucosal damage.    - Reference: Rostami, K., et al. (1999). *The Role of Infections in Celiac Disease*. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(11), 1255–1258. [DOI:10.1097/00042737-199911000-00010](https://doi.org/10.1097/00042737-199911000-00010)  6. Cardiac Conditions    - Rarely, heart failure or severe cardiovascular disease has been associated with elevated tTG-IgA levels, possibly due to gut ischemia and increased intestinal permeability.    - Reference: Ludvigsson, J. F., et al. (2007). *Celiac Disease and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study*. American Heart Journal, 153(6), 972–976. [DOI:10.1016/j.ahj.2007.03.019](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2007.03.019)  Key Points: - Elevated tTG-IgA levels are highly specific for celiac disease, and in most cases, a positive result strongly suggests celiac disease. - Other conditions causing elevated tTG-IgA are rare and often accompanied by additional clinical findings. - If celiac disease is suspected, further testing (e.g., endoscopy with biopsy) is typically required for confirmation. If you’re looking for more specific studies, I recommend searching PubMed or other medical databases using terms like "elevated tTG-IgA non-celiac" or "tTG-IgA in non-celiac conditions." Let me know if you’d like help with that!
    • MaryMJ
      Water filters and gluten

      By MaryMJ · Posted

      I called zero water and they state their filters do not contain gluten or gluten containing ingredients. 
    • trents
      What should I do with these test results?

      By trents · Posted

      I agree. Doesn't look like you have celiac disease. Your elevated DGP-IGG must be due to something else. And it was within normal at that after your gluten challenge so it is erratic and doesn't seem to be tied to gluten consumption.
    • Jack Common
      How many grams is there in one slice of wheat bread?

      By Jack Common · Posted

      Hello! I want to share my situation. I had symptoms like some food intolerance, diarrhea, bloating, belching one year ago. I thought I could have celiac disease so I did the blood tests. The results were ambiguous for me so I saw the doctor and he said I needed to do tests to check whether I had any parasites as well. It turned out I had giardiasis. After treating it my symptoms didn't disappear immediately. And I decided to start a gluten free diet despite my doctor said I didn't have it. After some time symptoms disappeared but that time it wasn't unclear whether I'd had them because of eliminating gluten or that parasite. The symptoms for both are very similar. Giardiasis also damages the small intestine. The only way to check this was to start eating bread again as I thought. Now about my results.   These are my first test results (almost a year ago) when I had symptoms: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody - 0.5 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 3.0 is normal) The Tissue Transglutaminase IgG antibody - 6.6 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 3.0 is normal) Immunoglobulin A - 1.91 g/l (for the lab I did the tests 0.7 to 4 g/l is normal) IgA Endomysial antibody (EMA) - < 1:10 titer (for the lab I did the tests < 1:10 titer is normal) IgG Endomysial antibody (EMA) - < 1:10 titer (for the lab I did the tests < 1:10 titer is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgA - 0.3 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 6.0 is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 46.1 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests 0.0 - 6.0 is normal)   Then I didn't eat gluten for six months. Symptoms disappeared. And I started a gluten challenge. Before the challenge I did some tests. My results: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgG antibody - 0.5 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 28 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)   During the challenge I ate 6 slices of wheat bread. After the challenge my results are: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody - 2.0 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) The Tissue Transglutaminase IgG antibody - 2.0 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) Immunoglobulin A - 1.31 g/l (for the lab I did the tests 0.7 to 4 g/l is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgA - 2.0 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 2.13 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)   To be sure I continued consuming gluten. I ate a lot each day. Two months after I did the tests again. My results I got today are: The Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody - 0.7 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal) Immunoglobulin A - 1.62 g/l (for the lab I did the tests 0.7 to 4 g/l is normal) Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG - 25.6 U/ml (for the lab I did the tests < 20 U/ml is normal)   Nowadays I didn't have any symptoms except tiredness but I think it's just work. I think it was this parasite because two years ago, for example, and before I didn't have these symptoms and I always ate gluten food. But I'm still not sure especially because the Deamidated gliadin peptide IgG results are sometimes high. What do you think? @Scott Adams
×
×
  • Create New...