For a child with celiac disease, which criterion indicates the effectiveness of a gluten-free diet?

In the context of a gluten-free diet for a child with celiac disease, weight gain is a strong indicator of effectiveness. This is because children with celiac disease often experience malabsorption and weight loss due to their sensitivity to gluten. Once gluten is removed from their diet, and the intestines begin to heal, the child is likely to absorb nutrients more effectively. This can lead to weight gain, which is essential for healthy growth and development.

While increased appetite, decreased irritability, and improved energy levels can be associated with overall improvements in health and well-being after starting a gluten-free diet, they are not as direct indicators of the diet’s effectiveness as weight gain. These factors can vary based on other aspects of the child’s health and might not specifically reflect the success of dietary changes as unambiguously as weight gain does. Weight gain signifies improved nutritional absorption, making it a key criterion in evaluating the effectiveness of dietary management in celiac disease.