Hi Lactnetters,

the gi doc is still alive even though silent!!!! Have been on call for
the past 4 weeks and have not checked my mail regularly.

Lactose intolerance is a possible occurence in celiac disease.  The
gluten dammages the mucosa of the gut causing a shortening (blunting) of
the villi (digit like protrusions from the mucosa).  Lactase (enzyme that
digests the lactose is located at the tip of the villi and if the villi
are shortenend there will be a decrease in the concentration of the
enzyme, hence the possibility of lactose malabsorption.

Celiac disease is 4 times more common in non breastfed than in breastfed
children and the onset is later in breastfed infants suggesting some
protective effect either from the bm itself or from delaying introduction
of gluten.

Again, keep the questions coming my way but please flag them by putting
my name in the subject or E mail me directly!

Maryelle