Should I test my infants for celiac disease now or wait until they start solid foods?

Testing infants for celiac disease at such a young age isn’t generally recommended. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Since your infants are currently only consuming breast milk or formula, they aren’t exposed to gluten yet, which means testing them now wouldn’t help detect celiac disease. Blood tests for celiac look for specific antibodies that indicate an immune response to gluten, something that wouldn’t be triggered until they start consuming solid foods that contain gluten, typically around 6 months of age or later. If there’s a strong family history of celiac disease, it’s important to monitor for symptoms once the introduction of gluten-containing foods begins. Symptoms in infants and young children can include diarrhea, constipation, failure to thrive, irritability, and other gastrointestinal issues. If any of these symptoms become apparent after introducing gluten, it would be appropriate to have a conversation with a pediatrician about testing. This usually involves an initial blood test for specific antibodies, followed by a confirmatory intestinal biopsy if necessary. However, it’s crucial to continue including gluten in their diet until all testing is complete to avoid false-negative results. Celiac disease has a genetic component, so discussing family history with your doctor may also lead to genetic testing options. Meanwhile, maintaining routine wellness visits with your pediatrician remains important to ensure any concerns are timely addressed and managed.