Which menu selections are best for a child diagnosed with celiac disease?

Choice A reason: Whole-wheat bread contains gluten, a protein harmful in celiac disease, causing villous atrophy and malabsorption in the small intestine. This triggers diarrhea, weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies. A gluten-free diet is essential, making a chicken sandwich on whole-wheat bread an inappropriate choice for a child with this condition. Choice B reason: Pizza and chocolate cake typically contain wheat flour, a gluten source, which damages the intestinal mucosa in celiac disease, leading to inflammation and malabsorption. These foods exacerbate symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, making them unsuitable for a child requiring a strict gluten-free diet to manage the condition. Choice C reason: Corn tortillas and fresh fruit are naturally gluten-free, safe for celiac disease. Corn lacks the harmful proteins (gliadin) that trigger immune-mediated intestinal damage. Fresh fruit provides nutrients without gluten, supporting healing of the intestinal mucosa and preventing symptoms like diarrhea, making this the best dietary choice. Choice D reason: Spaghetti and blueberry muffins are made with wheat flour, containing gluten, which causes intestinal villous atrophy in celiac disease. This leads to malabsorption, diarrhea, and growth issues. These foods are contraindicated, as a gluten-free diet is critical to prevent symptoms and promote intestinal healing in affected children.