What is gluten?
Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in most common grains. It is the grain's storage protein.
It is this substance that gives bread dough its elastic, slightly "sticky" quality (hence the name glu-ten!) and which allows bread to "rise." It is often found in cereal flours, such as wheat.
What foods contain gluten?
Gluten is mainly present in cereals such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and even oats. All their derivatives also contain it: flours, pasta, biscuits, etc.
Beware of hidden gluten! It can also be found in foods you might not expect, such as prepared meals: canned or sauced meats and fish, hamburgers, industrial deli meats, cooked green vegetables, canned chestnut cream, purees, soups, sauces (instant or canned), soy sauce, tamari sauce, concentrated stock (powder, cube), tomato sauce, mayonnaise in tubes, ready-made salad dressings, mustard, certain spreadable cheeses, industrial confectionery, flavored chips and many others.
So, stay vigilant, gluten likes to hide where you least expect it!
What is gluten intolerance in babies?
Gluten intolerance , also known as celiac disease , is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine. This disease is caused by an intolerance to gluten, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and, consequently, nutritional deficiencies.
It's important to note that even without being formally gluten intolerant, some babies, children, and even adults may have difficulty digesting it. As with many intolerances and allergies , gluten sensitivity can vary from person to person, and careful observation of individual reactions is essential to ensure optimal digestive well-being.
How do you know if your baby is allergic or intolerant to gluten? What are the symptoms?
Very often, gluten intolerance manifests itself at the time of food diversification , when flour or a particular food is introduced into the bottle.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of possible gluten intolerance in babies may include:
- Weight loss: Babies with gluten intolerance may experience growth failure or unexplained weight loss despite adequate nutrition, which may indicate nutrient malabsorption due to a reaction to gluten.
- Persistent diarrhea: Babies with gluten intolerance may have persistently loose or watery stools, often accompanied by increased stool frequency. These symptoms can lead to dehydration if left untreated.
- Frequent vomiting: Babies with gluten intolerance may experience frequent vomiting, especially after eating foods containing gluten, and this vomiting may be associated with other digestive symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain.
- Bloating: Babies with gluten intolerance may experience a feeling of bloating or distension in their abdomen due to the inflammatory reaction in the digestive system.
- Stomach aches: Babies with gluten intolerance may also experience abdominal pain or cramps after eating foods containing gluten. These stomach aches may be intermittent or persistent, and may be accompanied by other digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
If you have any doubts or observe these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician promptly. Your baby's health is paramount, and a healthcare professional can provide appropriate advice and perform the necessary tests to confirm or rule out gluten intolerance.
What are the alternatives to gluten in baby food?
More and more products are available on the market that cater to both those with gluten intolerance and those simply looking to feel better after meals. Most of these products carry the distinctive "gluten-free" logo, represented by a crossed-out ear of wheat.
At Good Goût, we understand the different dietary needs of our customers, which is why we've developed a range of naturally gluten-free recipes . Simply filter for "gluten-free" when browsing our e-shop.
For our intolerant babies, Good Goût offers, for example, gluten-free dishes such as zucchini risotto with goat cheese, gluten-free infant cereals such as Strawberry Muesli, or even gluten-free biscuits such as our squares or mini rice cakes.
