Celiac Disease Treatment (Cont.)

Regular Follow-up Care as Part of Celiac Disease Treatment

People with celiac disease should return for regular visits with their healthcare provider and dietitian. This will allow the healthcare provider to continually monitor the patient's health and to check for possible complications of celiac disease. In children, this includes evaluation of growth and development.
 
You should talk with your healthcare provider about vitamin supplements. Some people with celiac disease may experience vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Often, this includes iron and folate. Other vitamins or minerals that may become deficient include:
 
  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Vitamin B12
  • Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin D).
 
People with celiac disease should also undergo screening for osteoporosis given the higher occurrence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in people with celiac disease (see Celiac Disease and Osteoporosis).
 

Final Thoughts on Celiac Disease Treatment

For someone diagnosed with celiac disease, treatment is a lifelong process. But the good news is that people with the disease do not need expensive medicines or surgeries to control celiac disease. Understanding celiac disease and adopting a gluten-free diet will allow most people with the condition to control their disease and live a full, productive life.

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD