The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University recently published its steps for nutrition assessment of patients with celiac disease.

The gluten-free diet is currently the only treatment for celiac disease, and patients should be monitored closely by a dietitian who is knowledgeable regarding this diet.

Evaluation by a dietitian includes the following:

1. Diet History – A comprehensive assessment of dietary history, with an emphasis on caloric and micronutrient intake.
2. Patient Education – Patient knowledge of the gluten-free diet is assessed and interpretation of food labels is taught.
3. Dietary Assessment – Identification of micronutrient deficiencies or coexisting gastrointestinal conditions may occur during a comprehensive dietary assessment.
4. Follow Up – In patients with evidence of gluten exposure, a thorough evaluation for cross-contamination is performed.

Sources:

Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, Suite 956, 180 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA. Electronic address: Sms2246@columbia.edu.

Simpson S, Thompson T. Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am. 2012 Oct;22(4):797-809. doi: 10.1016/j.giec.2012.07.010. Epub 2012 Aug 18.