Preventing celiac disease in children through diet and probiotics

Prevention of Celiac Disease in Skåne (in Swedish - Prevention av Celiaki i Skåne)

Not applicable Interventional Lund University · NCT03562221

This study tests if a gluten-free diet or daily probiotics can help prevent celiac disease in children who are at risk by the time they turn 3 years old.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages4 Months to 4 Months
SexAll
SponsorLund University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Malmö)
Trial IDNCT03562221 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether a gluten-free diet during the first three years of life can reduce the risk of developing celiac disease autoimmunity in genetically susceptible children. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a gluten-free diet, a daily probiotic supplement, or a placebo. The study includes regular clinical visits during the intervention phase and annual follow-ups until the age of 7 years. The primary goal is to assess the development of celiac disease autoimmunity by age 3, while secondary outcomes include the incidence of celiac disease by age 7.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under 4 months of age who are genetically predisposed to celiac disease.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital chronic disorders that may interfere with dietary interventions will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of celiac disease in genetically predisposed children.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored dietary interventions for celiac disease prevention, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children screened positive for human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DR3-DQ2/DR3-DQ2
* Children must be enrolled to the study by 4 months of age (before gluten consumption has started).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital chronic disorder where intervention with diet or probiotics may be affected.
* Written consent from both caregivers are missing

Where this trial is running

Malmö

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Celiac Disease in Childrencoeliac diseaseceliac disease autoimmunity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.