With the rise in popularity of gluten-free diets, many parents are turning to this type of diet for their children. While some children may benefit from a gluten-free diet, for others, it can be quite dangerous.

In fact, there are many hidden dangers of a gluten-free diet for children that parents should be aware of.

Gluten-Free Foods are Often Low in Nutrients

Gluten-free processed foods are often low in nutrients compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. Gluten-free flours, for example, are often made from refined grains, which have been stripped of many of their nutrients during processing.

Additionally, gluten-free processed foods often have added sugar and unhealthy fats to make up for the lack of flavor and texture provided by gluten. For growing children, who need plenty of nutrients to develop properly, this can be a serious problem.

A Gluten-Free Diet can be High in Arsenic

Rice flour is a common ingredient in gluten-free products, and rice is known to absorb arsenic from the soil more readily than other crops.

This means that a diet high in rice, which is often the case in gluten-free diets, can lead to increased levels of arsenic in the body. Arsenic has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, developmental problems, and neurological damage, making this a serious concern for children.

Gluten-Free Diets Can Restrict a Child’s Food Choices

When children are put on a gluten-free diet, their food choices become restricted, which can lead to a lack of variety in their diet. This means that they may miss out on important nutrients that are only found in certain foods.

Additionally, children are not always great at making healthy food choices. If they are forced to follow a restrictive diet, they may be more likely to choose less healthy options when given the opportunity.

A Gluten-Free Diet May Not be Necessary

While some children do have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, many children do not. In fact, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, only about 1 in 100 people have celiac disease.

For everyone else, there is no need to follow a gluten-free diet. Putting children on a gluten-free diet unnecessarily can lead to the problems listed above.

Gluten-Free Foods can be Expensive

Gluten-free foods are often more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts. This can be a problem for families on a tight budget.

Additionally, many gluten-free products are only available at specialty stores, which may not be convenient for all families.

Children who are on a gluten-free diet may not be able to eat the same foods as their friends or participate in certain activities. For example, they may not be able to enjoy pizza at a birthday party or have cake at a school event.

This can make children feel left out and may impact their social life and self-esteem.

Gluten-Free Diets Can Lead to Disordered Eating

Children who are put on a restrictive gluten-free diet may become overly concerned with food and their weight, leading to disordered eating patterns.

For example, they may start to excessively restrict their intake of other foods, leading to nutrient deficiencies or they may start to binge on gluten-free junk foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.

Children Need Gluten for Proper Growth and Development

Gluten is not inherently bad for children. In fact, gluten is an important source of nutrients, such as B vitamins and fiber, which are essential for growth and development.

Restricting gluten unnecessarily can lead to deficiencies in these essential nutrients, which can have negative impacts on a child’s health and development.

There are Better Ways to Improve a Child’s Diet

Instead of putting children on a restrictive gluten-free diet, there are better ways to improve their diet.

For example, parents can encourage their children to eat a variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. By making small, gradual changes to a child’s diet, and focusing on nutrient density, parents can help their children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

While a gluten-free diet may be necessary for some children, it is not necessary for everyone. Before putting a child on a gluten-free diet, parents should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it is necessary.

If a gluten-free diet is deemed necessary, parents should take steps to ensure that their child’s diet is nutrient-dense and balanced, and should be aware of the potential dangers of a restrictive diet. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, and making small, gradual changes to a child’s diet, parents can help their children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.