LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Journal of the American Medical Association says in a recent study that the amount of gluten intake during the first five years of life is associated with the risk of celiac disease and autoimmunity in at-risk children.

In order to better understand the findings of the study, Spectrum News 1 sat down with a dietician to get some further clarification and what the findings should indicate to parents.

“So, if you have celiac disease yourself, then there is a genetic component to it. Your children may be more likely to develop the condition, and so just be aware if you are feeding them an abundance of products that contain gluten they may actually develop celiac disease and may develop it earlier in life they would have had they not been exposed to gluten quite a bit when they were younger," Natalie Senninger said. 

Keeping the genetic component in mind also means parents  shouldn't start buying gluten free products just because it's trendy or an option on the menu.

“Gluten-free does not necessarily mean healthier. So if your child does not have celiac disease you don't have celiac disease yourself and you are  just jumping on a gluten free band wagon and feeding your kids gluten free cookies, gluten free crackers, and gluten free bread just be aware the nutrition facts are not the same as their gluten containing counterparts and sometimes it may even be less healthy for your kids because it has more additives sugar preservatives," Senninger said. 

And celiac disease manifests itself in different ways but there are true signs to be on the lookout for if it is a concern.

“If your child suddenly has a lot of weight loss a lot of stomach issues and cramping and if you have celiac disease yourself then you would definitely would want to get them checked. Also get any vitamins and minerals checked as well because those can be mal-absorbed and that can kind of stunt a child's growth and development," Senninger said. 

Bottom Line: Follow your gut along with a healthy diet for you and child.