Gut problem link to baby weaning

Delaying the introduction of cereal-based foods into a child's diet could help avoid later gut problems, say University of Colorado scientists.

Babies had a lower chance of developing the digestive disorder celiac disease if they were not fed grains until aged four to six months, they found.

This condition is caused by proteins in grains, which damage the gut and make it difficult to digest foods.

The research appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Exposure to gluten - a protein found in wheat - in the first three months of life increased the risk of celiac disease five-fold, the study of more than 1,500 children found.

Nicky Mendoza, a dietician for Celiac UK, said: "Current guidelines suggest not weaning before six months of age, so, for most children, gluten should not be introduced before this.

"Children that are weaned before this age should be given gluten-free foods until they reach six months."