A new Journal of Pediatrics published article finds that a gluten-free diet may not be in the best interest of all children.

Entitled "The Gluten-Free Diet: Recognizing Fact, Fiction, and Fad," the article concludes gluten-free may not be the healthiest path for children who don't suffer from a celiac disease.

"The increasing popularity of the GFD [gluten-free diet] has important implications for children," wrote author Norelle R. Reilly, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Columbia University Medical Center. "Parents sometimes place their children on a GFD in the belief that it relieves symptoms, can prevent CD [celiac disease], or is a healthy alternative without previous testing for CD or consultation with a dietitian."

Research Seeks to Debunk Gluten-Free Myths

Much of Reilly's remaining article is focused on trying to debunk some of the most common myths about the gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat, barley and processed foods.

Beyond stressing gluten isn't toxic, Reilley added when it comes to children who don't have a celiac disease or a wheat allergy, the cons of a gluten-free diet may actually outweigh the pros. Among the most alarming shortcomings are the increased potential for obesity, onset-insulin resistance, and such deficiencies as B vitamins, folate and iron.

Celiac disease is defined as a hereditary autoimmune condition that impacts about one in every 100 people. The Celiac Disease Foundation has previously established it is best treated by removing gluten from one's diet. Some of the symptoms found in kids who are gluten intolerant are diarrhea, constipation, slow weight gain, stomach pain, skin rashes and anemia.

Gluten-Free Food Market on the Rise

Over the last several years, an enormous market of gluten-free food products has gained steam. Such far-ranging items as crackers, cereals, pastas, granola bars, and even dog foods are now all available in gluten-free form.

In addition, many consumers have now also associated the form of diet with more healthy living, whether or not they have been found to have celiac disease or need to eat gluten-free.

A 2014 survey by the market research firm NPD found that 25 percent of respondents now believe gluten-free is a healthier way to eat and nearly half of them (11 percent) have now actually adopted such a diet.

"There is no evidence that processed gluten-free foods are healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts, nor have there been proven health or nutritional benefits of a GFD, except as indicated previously in this commentary," Reilly added.

Researchers concluded such a trend can be as hard on children socially as it is nutritionally, pointing out many of the foods served to children at school or such outings as birthday parties aren't always in agreement with such a diet.

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