Explaining coeliac disease to children

It is important to explain to children what coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. is, what glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. does to their bodies, what foods they should avoid and answer any questions they might have about their condition. 

By joining Coeliac UK you can download a copy of our special children’s guide, Me and My Tummy from the Members section of our website. The booklet, designed for children up to seven years, explains coeliac disease and how it affects the body in easy-to-understand words using bright and colourful pictures. It can also be used as an educational tool in schools and nurseries. 

It is also important to explain coeliac disease to the whole family, including siblings so they understand why their brother or sister is different.

TOP TIPS

• Get your child/children involved in identifying foods that are gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. to help them understand their diet.
• Go through your cupboards, mark products that are gluten-free with a smiley face sticker and products that are not gluten-free mark with a warning sticker. This will help the whole family and visitors to quickly identify products that are suitable.
• When you are cooking for the family, many everyday dishes can be made gluten-free by substituting some ingredients or using special gluten-free products. It is essential to take sensible steps to prevent contamination with gluten-containing foods in the kitchen.

If you have any questions about the gluten-free diet or coeliac disease, you can email us or call our HelplineOur Helpline is staffed by dietitians and food experts. You can call them on 0845 305 2060. on 0845 305 2060.