Assessment of the Growth Status of Jordanian Celiac Children on Gluten-Free Diet

Objectives: Failure to thrive is related to classical symptoms of celiac disease (CD) and it is one of the most critical symptoms in children. The objective of this study is to assess the growth status of Jordanian celiac children on a gluten-free diet (GFD).
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the period between April 2021 to February 2022. A total number of 45 CD patients (at least 6 months on a GFD) were approached. The children in the study ranged in age from 6 to 13 years old and were of both sexes. Anthropometric assessment was performed to all participants.
Results: Twenty-six participants (57.8%) had a normal body mass index, whereas overweight and obesity were detected in 9 (20%) and 4 (8.9%) children, respectively. Seven (15.6%) children were suffering from underweight. Thirty-five children (77.8%) and 36 children (80%) of the participants had normal height-for-age and weight-for-age, respectively. Eight out of forty-five (17.8%) children were stunted.
Conclusions: Most celiac children on GFD in this study had a normal growth status. However, many children had growth defects that may be related to the differences in gluten-free diet adherence.