Often, growth concerns are a common worry for parents because they want to see their kids grow big and tall. However, it may happen that a child is growing less or more slowly than their friends or classmates of the same age. Many causes of the children’s growth are benign, but some need checking. Coeliac disease can quietly affect growth and development in children by damaging the gut, leading to poor nutrient absorption, which as a result, causes poor weight gain and short stature. Fortunately, this can be managed with the help of experienced GPs. Doctify offers trusted GPs willing to help you.
What is coeliac disease?
As Doctify-rated Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Angad Dhillon, explains, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine when gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is consumed. This immune response damages the villi, the small finger-like projections in the intestine that help absorb nutrients, leading to malabsorption and a range of symptoms. When a person with coeliac disease consumes gluten the immune system attacks the small intestine, causing long-term damage and malabsorption.
How coeliac disease affects a child’s growth
Growth problems may appear before obvious tummy symptoms because the autoimmune system attacks the small intestine’s villi, reducing the ability of nutrient absorption and producing the growth issues. If coeliac disease is left untreated, it can cause serious long-term complications, including:
- Poor absorption of calories, iron, calcium, and vitamins.
- Impact on height, weight gain, and muscle development.
- Severe malnutrition due to poor nutrient absorption.
Growth-related signs parents might notice
These are some growth signs parents should be aware in their children:
- Poor weight gain or weight loss.
- Slower height growth compared to peers.
- Clothes and shoes not needing frequent size changes.
- Delayed puberty in older children or teenagers.
Other symptoms that can accompany growth issues
Here are other symptoms that, in addition to the growth-related signs, might indicate growth issues associated to coeliac disease:
- Ongoing tummy pain, bloating, or diarrhoea.
- Constipation in some children.
- Fatigue or low energy.
- Irritability or behavioural changes.
- Iron-deficiency anaemia or frequent mouth ulcers.
Why coeliac disease can be missed
Sometimes celiac disease can be missed because symptoms vary widely between children. Also, some children have “silent” coeliac disease with few digestive symptoms. Nevertheless, doctors and parents should be aware of growth delays since it may be the only early sign.
When parents should ask for testing
Parents should seek for doctors advice when:
- Growth falling off expected centile lines.
- Persistent digestive symptoms.
- Family history of coeliac disease or autoimmune conditions.
- Unexplained anaemia or nutrient deficiencies.
- Ongoing concerns despite a balanced diet.
How GPs test for coeliac disease
GPs test for coeliac disease with blood tests for coeliac antibodies. The most common test is for anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies, which are elevated in most people with coeliac disease. A total serum IgA test is also used to rule out IgA deficiency.
It’s important to note that individuals should not start a gluten-free diet before being tested, as this can affect the accuracy of the results.
Referral to paediatrics or gastroenterology is needed when a child has classic symptoms (persistent digestive symptoms, unexplained anaemia or nutrient deficiencies, growth issues, etc), and positive blood tests. In those cases, paediatrics or gastroenterology will send endoscopy with biopsy and genetic testing, in order to confirm diagnosis.
What happens after a diagnosis
- Starting a strict gluten-free diet.
- Be vigilant about avoiding gluten, including reading food labels and asking about ingredients when eating out.
- Prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen by using separate utensils, toasters, and other tools for gluten-free foods.
- Consider working with a dietitian to ensure a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and address any deficiencies.
- Join support groups or seek psychological support, as living with coeliac disease can be challenging, especially in social situations.
- Regularly follow up with healthcare providers to monitor any potential complications and ensure ongoing health management.
There is no cure for coeliac disease, but it can be effectively managed with a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Most people will experience improvement in symptoms and healing of the intestine after following the diet.
Dr Angad Dhillon, Doctify-rated Consultant Gastroenterologist
Supporting your child while awaiting assessment
While waiting for the consult with the GP please:
- Avoid removing gluten before medical advice.
- Keeping a symptom and growth diary.
- Ensuring regular GP check-ups and growth measurements.
Final thoughts
Growth issues can have many causes, but coeliac disease is an important one to rule out. Early diagnosis helps protect long-term health and development, most children catch up well when treated early. Doctify helps parents find trusted GPs and paediatric specialists for assessment and reassurance.
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Feel free to consult a GP through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best GPs in the United Kingdom or search for the best specialists globally:
Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 17/12/2025
