Gluten free for first 2 yrs???

[Cmahnken]

I am an expecting mommy and being bombarded with TONS of information (more than I know what to do with honestly). But there was one thing that I read, and forgive me for not remembering where I read this due to pregnancy brain, anywho, I read that avoiding gluten in the first few years of life can be a preventative measure for all sorts of intestinal issues like celiac, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel etc. That children who are exposed to gluten early on have more cases of these illnesses. Can I get some opinions on this? I know that the first 5 years are incredibly important as far as what a child takes in both via food and environment...but I want to weed out what I can.

[scsigrl]

There is NO REASON to say "off" of any food unless/until there is a reason to.  None.  I have also talked to the leading researcher on Celiac in the US about breastfeeding a child who has a genetic link to someone with Celiac and he said no way should Mom be off gluten UNLESS she herself has Celiac/gluten intolerance or figures out the baby does.

[Cmahnken]

Ill have to do some more research as to why some are suggesting this. It was one of those things I sort of read in passing and didnt really look into it much further. It didnt say anything about the mother being gluten free, only after the child is eating solid food...but then there is the fact that I will probably still be nursing after solid foods are introduced..which would mean the baby would be getting gluten from me anyways...hmmm...need to do further research.

[Ragana]

My daughter's allergist also cautions against avoiding foods unless you know or there is very good indication you have to.