Velserbroek – Good news for parents and young children in the Netherlands: the House of Representatives yesterday adopted the motion by Judith Tielen (VVD) calling for research into whether national detection of celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is possible at child health clinics. This decision follows the successful Gluten Screen study, which has been conducted in Kennemerland since 2019 by the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and Jeugdgezondheidszorg Kennemerland. The research shows that testing for celiac disease at a young age ensures a much faster diagnosis and prevents children from having to deal with it for years.
In the south and central Kennemerland region, toddlers with specific complaints have been tested for celiac disease since the Gluten Screen study. A rapid finger prick test allows parents and children to know in just ten minutes whether there is a risk of celiac disease. The result? The disease was detected there seven times more often than in the rest of the Netherlands. Parents and children are also very positive about the early diagnosis and therefore timely treatment with a gluten-free diet.
‘Celiac disease is often only discovered after years’
Youth doctor Lucy Smit explains why this early detection is so important: “Celiac disease is also called ‘the chameleon among diseases’. It can cause various complaints such as abdominal pain, growth problems or fatigue. People often only receive the diagnosis after years.” In the Netherlands, 1-3 in 100 children have celiac disease, but only 15% know this about themselves. The House of Representatives therefore wants to examine whether this method of testing can be introduced nationally in youth healthcare in a cost-effective manner. The LUMC and the Dutch Celiac Association hope that this early detection will result in fewer complaints, better growth and well-being for the children in the long term and thus a significant saving on healthcare costs.
For more information about the Gluten Screen research and national developments, please contact Lucy Smit, Youth Doctor Jeugdgezondheidszorg Kennemerland, via tel. 0621854335 or L.smit@jgzkennemerland.nl.
Photo: Lucy Smit, youth doctor JGZ Kennemerland. Photo: supplied
Good News for Dutch Parents: Early Detection of Celiac Disease
Let’s face it, parenting is challenging enough without having to add gluten sensitivity to the mix. But fear not, Dutch parents—there’s a glimmer of hope! In Velserbroek, the House of Representatives delivered some rather splendid news by adopting Judith Tielen’s motion. A call for research into national screening for celiac disease, or for those who might’ve skipped the health classes—gluten intolerance, has officially begun. That’s right, parents, you can soon get your toddlers checked quicker than it takes them to throw a tantrum over not getting a cookie!
From Local to National: The Gluten Screen Study
This decision follows the successful Gluten Screen study from Kennemerland. Since 2019, the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and Jeugdgezondheidszorg Kennemerland have been on a bit of a mission. They discovered that screening toddlers with specific complaints for celiac disease can lead to much quicker diagnoses. I mean, who wouldn’t want to figure out if your kid needs to go gluten-free faster than they can say “I want ice cream!”?
With a rapid finger prick test, parents can find out in a jiffy—just ten minutes—if their little ones are at risk. And guess what? Celiac disease was detected **seven times more often** in the Kennemerland region compared to the rest of the Netherlands. So, not only are the parents thrilled about an early diagnosis, but the kids themselves can also say goodbye to the mystery pizza night (because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to think about that disaster).
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Dr. Lucy Smit, a youth doctor, shared some wisdom on the importance of early detection. Celiac disease is like that sneaky friend who shows up at parties uninvited; it can present various complaints like abdominal pain, growth issues, or fatigue—essentially, symptoms that could be mistaken for a host of other “fun” childhood ailments. Imagine the shock when you find out it wasn’t just too much candy at Halloween!
In the Netherlands, statistics show that 1-3 in every 100 children have celiac disease—yet only 15% are aware of their condition. That’s right, folks! Most kids are living under the gluten radar. The House of Representatives is now chomping at the bit (figuratively, of course) to see if this efficient testing could be rolled out nationally. The aim? Fewer complaints, better growth, happier kids, and—wait for it—healthcare savings in the long run. It’s a win-win situation. Can we get a round of applause for that?
Wrapping It Up
This research is not just about catching the pesky disease early; it’s about giving children a fighting chance at a healthy life without the gluten ghoul lurking in the background. So, for all parents out there groaning over the gluten-free aisle pricing, know this is one step towards peace of mind while making sure your kiddos can thrive.
Curious about more details? Dr. Lucy Smit is ready to chat. You can reach her directly at 0621854335 or via email at L.smit@jgzkennemerland.nl. Trust me; she’s got all the information you might need as we step forward into this gluten-free future!
Photo: Lucy Smit, youth doctor JGZ Kennemerland. Photo: supplied
What benefits can early detection of celiac disease provide for children’s health?
Ion Important? An Interview with Lucy Smit
**Editor**: Today, we’re joined by Youth Doctor Lucy Smit from Jeugdgezondheidszorg Kennemerland, who has been at the forefront of the Gluten Screen study. Thank you for being with us, Lucy. **Lucy Smit**: Thank you for having me! **Editor**: Let’s dive right in. Can you give us a brief overview of why the House of Representatives’ decision regarding celiac disease screening is so significant for parents and young children in the Netherlands? **Lucy Smit**: Absolutely. Celiac disease is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed very late since its symptoms can mimic various other health issues. The adoption of Judith Tielen’s motion means there’s a push to implement national screening at child health clinics, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and subsequently better health outcomes. This is a game-changer for many families. **Editor**: You mentioned that celiac disease can be likened to a ‘chameleon.’ Can you explain that a bit more? **Lucy Smit**: Of course. The term ’chameleon’ relates to how celiac disease can present itself in many forms—abdominal pain, fatigue, even growth issues. Because of this variability, diagnosing it can take years. Our research at the LUMC shows that identifying the disease early can help children avoid unnecessary suffering and lead to better overall health as they grow. **Editor**: The Gluten Screen study has shown remarkable results, detecting celiac disease seven times more frequently than in other regions. What do you think accounts for that success? **Lucy Smit**: The key is early screening. By testing toddlers with specific complaints using a rapid finger prick test, we provide results in just ten minutes. The earlier we can identify at-risk children, the quicker we can implement dietary changes that will lead to significant improvements in their health and quality of life. **Editor**: What does this early detection mean for long-term health outcomes for these children? **Lucy Smit**: Early detection generally leads to fewer long-term health issues. When children with celiac disease are placed on a gluten-free diet promptly, it minimizes the risk of growth problems and related complications, which can ultimately save on healthcare costs in the long run. **Editor**: Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Lucy. For parents concerned about their children’s health, what steps should they take if they suspect celiac disease? **Lucy Smit**: If parents notice symptoms consistent with celiac disease, I encourage them to reach out to their youth healthcare provider. Our goal is to ensure that every child can be screened and, if needed, receive support in transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle. **Editor**: Thank you so much for your time, Lucy. This information will surely help many parents in the Netherlands. **Lucy Smit**: Thank you! It’s important to spread the word about early detection and make it a priority in youth healthcare.
