According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, one of the most missed diagnosed reasons for Failure to Thrive in children is Celiac disease. Celiac disease is the inability to break down and digest the protein gluten that is found in grain products of wheat, oats, barley and rye. The book, Prescription for Nutrition Healing by Dr. Balch, M.D. discusses the symptomology of Celiac disease. In people with Celiac disease, this protein causes a reaction in the mucous lining of the intestine. The villi lining the small intestine suffer damage and destruction, which impairs the body's ability to absorb vital nutrients.
Diarrhea compounds the problem.
Because Celiac disease impairs digestion, food allergies may also appear. Celiac disease affects both adults and children, and can appear at any age. It often appears when a child is first introduced to cereal foods, at around three or tour months of age. The first sign are usually diarrhea, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies such as anemia. A baby with Celiac disease may gain weight more slowly than normal or may lose weight.