Celiac disease is a disease caused by genetic and environmental factors. Sufferers manifest an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a protein fraction contained in some cereals. The ingestion of this substance triggers a chronic inflammation of the small intestine, which in the long run damages its coating. As a result, the subject is unable to absorb some nutrients and this affects the entire body.

The symptoms of celiac disease are not always clear and can vary greatly from person to person. The classic ones are: weight loss; diarrhea; abdominal swelling and bloating. Nevertheless, in some individuals the symptoms in the digestive system are completely lacking. In these cases, celiac disease manifests itself with: anemia; osteoporosis; muscle weakness; alopecia; oral ulcers; tingling in hands and feet. If neglected, celiac disease can even lead to intestinal lymphoma. For this reason, it is essential to perform specific tests as soon as the above symptoms occur.

These include the serological research and biopsy of the duodenal mucosa, to be performed during a traditional diet. In the event of a positive test result, the subject must change diet and take a gluten-free diet. Unfortunately, at the moment it is the only therapy available for celiac disease and should be followed for life.

Some advise introducing gluten into the infant's diet at 12 months rather than 6. This practice does not eliminate the overall risk, but could help children at high genetic risk.

Source: humanitas.i

La celiachia è una patologia causata da fattori genetici e ambientali. Chi ne soffre manifesta una reazione autoimmune al glutine, una frazione proteica contenuta in alcuni cereali. L’ingestione di questa sostanza scatena un’infiammazione cronica dell'intestino tenue, che a lungo andare ne danneggia il rivestimento. Di conseguenza, il soggetto è incapace di assorbire alcuni nutrienti e questo di ripercuote su tutto l’organismo.

I sintomi della celiachia non sono sempre chiari e possono variare molto da persona a persona. Quelli classici sono: perdita di peso; diarrea; gonfiore addominale e meteorismo. Ciononostante, in alcuni soggetti mancano del tutto i sintomi in ambito digestivo. In questi casi, la celiachia si manifesta con: anemia; osteoporosi; debolezza muscolare; alopecia; afte orali; formicolio a mani e piedi.

Se trascurata, la celiachia può portare perfino al linfoma intestinale. Per questo motivo, è fondamentale eseguire dei test specifici non appena si manifestano i sintomi di cui sopra. Questi comprendo la ricerca sierologica e la biopsia della mucosa duodenale, da eseguire nel corso di una dieta tradizionale.

In caso di esito positivo dei test, il soggetto deve cambiare alimentazione e assumere una dieta senza glutine. Purtroppo al momento è l’unica terapia disponibile per la celiachia e va seguita per tutta la vita. Alcuni consigliano di introdurre il glutine nella dieta infantile a 12 mesi, piuttosto che a 6. Questa pratica non annulla il rischio globale, ma potrebbe aiutare i bambini ad alto rischio genetico.

Fonte: humanitas.it

Australian children born with assisted reproduction are as healthy as those conceived naturally. This was revealed by a study led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. So far, it is the study conducted on the largest sample so far. In addition, the researchers analyzed the health status of children once they became adults.

The team involved 193 people between 22 and 35, all conceived with in vitro fertilization. They have joined them with other 86 conceived in a natural way, comparing the health status of the two groups. There were no differences in terms of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases. The sample was in all respects healthy as all other Australians. Nevertheless, there is some food for thought.

According to Professor Halliday, adults born with IVF are better than those conceived naturally. They are usually more self-confident, better off with themselves and have fewer financial problems. This is likely due to socio-economic rather than physical factors, though. IVF has a fairly important cost in some countries. Furthermore, they were sought after and loved children, almost all of whom grew up in a loving family. All this has a positive influence on the psychology of the individual, which could explain the differences with the control group.

Source: medicalxpress.com