1. MUJAHID UL ISLAM - Lecturer, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Eastern Medicine, Hamdard University Islamabad
Campus.
2. AMNA SAHAR - Associate Professor, Food Engineering, Department of Food Engineering, University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad, Pakistan.
3. AYSHA SAMEEN - Professor, Food Science and Technology, Department of Food Science and Technology, Government
College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
4. FARWA TARIQ - Lecturer, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Constituent College, Toba
Tek Singh.
5. TAYYABA TARIQ - Pursuing Doctoral Degree Program, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, The National Institute of Food Science
and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
6. SEEMAL MUNIR - Pursuing Doctoral Degree Program, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, The National Institute of Food Science
and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
7. AQSA PARVEEN - Pursuing a Doctoral Degree, Department of Food Science and Technology, Government College Women
University, Faisalabad.
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy, or celiac disease (CD), is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine, characterized by inflammation and malabsorption in response to gluten ingestion. The global prevalence of CD is estimated at 1.4% of the world's population, with a comparable rate of 1.3% in Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between CD and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in patients aged 2-15 years, focusing on the nutritional adequacy of their gluten-free diets and exploring how dietary habits relate to patients' physical, socioeconomic, and biochemical characteristics. The cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan, involving 100 CD patients (66 females, 34 males) diagnosed with associated IDA. Anthropometric measurements, medical history, biochemical parameters, and dietary assessments were performed. Results showed that 44% of patients were aged 0-5 years, with a higher prevalence in females. Low hemoglobin levels were observed in 81% of patients, indicating severe or partial IDA. Biochemical analysis revealed low ferritin levels in 99% of patients and elevated transferrin in 98%. Dietary assessment found that 66% of patients adhered to a gluten-free diet, with varying consumption patterns of different food groups. The study highlighted the complex relationship between CD, IDA, and nutritional status, emphasizing the importance of dietary modifications in managing CD and related complications. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing CD management strategies and addressing associated nutritional deficits, particularly IDA, in young patients.
Celiac Disease, Iron Deficiency, Gluten Free Diet, Autoimmune Disorder, Gluten Free Diet, Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy, Dietary Intervention.