Paediatric Gastroenterology Victoria

03/06/2025

Australia’s go-to source for empowering information and inspiration for living a great gluten-free life.

26/05/2025

Here you will be able to find some useful information

17/07/2024

16/06/2023

There are new guidelines about infant sleep safety. Important to know...

Infant incline products are marketed for play, transport or sleep. Although these products may be marketed for sleep, they are unsafe for infants to sleep in.

03/06/2023

Endorsement News!

Tastes like Australia with cheese! A tasty blend of two Aussie classics, VEGEMITE & Cheese made with Bega Cream Cheese, is now endorsed and available at Coles and Woolworths. Scoop it. Snack it. Spread it.

VEGEMITE

02/06/2023

Short chain fatty acids are a very important component of gut health (and possibly other bodily functions).

Foods high in (SCFA producing) fibres (source: CSIRO Resistant starch report, 2012)

Under-ripe (green) bananasRolled oatsLentilsBarleyFruits: Kiwi fruit, citrusRoot vegetables (potato, sweet potato)Nuts, legumes (ie chickpeas, baked beans), seedsBrown riceCooked and cooled potato, pasta or rice.

Foods high in oral SCFA (source: Paul Gill, unpublished research)

Vinegars: Apple cider vinegar, white/red wine vinegar, white vinegar, malt vinegarKombuchaPickled foods: pickled onion, gherkinsSauerkrautKimchiSoft cheeses (i.e blue and brie), kefir

01/06/2023

Gastric ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are painful sores that develop in the lining of the stomach. These ulcers can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. While the exact cause of gastric ulcers is not fully understood, there are several factors that are known to contribute to their development.

One of the primary causes of gastric ulcers is the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the stomach. This bacterium is able to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and can cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the stomach. H. pylori is believed to be responsible for up to 80% of all gastric ulcers.

Another factor that can contribute to the development of gastric ulcers is the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs, which include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the risk of developing ulcers. Long-term use of NSAIDs is particularly problematic, as it can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the stomach lining.

Stress is also believed to be a contributing factor in the development of gastric ulcers. While stress does not directly cause ulcers, it can increase the production of stomach acid, which can exacerbate existing ulcers and make them more painful. Additionally, stress can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections like H. pylori.

Dietary factors can also play a role in the development of gastric ulcers. Consuming spicy or acidic foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol, can irritate the lining of the stomach and increase the risk of developing ulcers. Additionally, a diet that is low in fiber and high in fat can slow down digestion and increase the amount of time that food spends in the stomach, which can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

In conclusion, gastric ulcers are a painful and potentially serious condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While the exact cause of ulcers is not fully understood, it is clear that factors such as H. pylori infection, NSAID use, stress, and dietary factors can all contribute to their development. By understanding these causes and taking steps to reduce their impact, individuals can reduce their risk of developing gastric ulcers and improve their overall digestive health.

29/05/2023

Did you know that Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease that can affect children's digestive system?

EOE can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it's important to talk to their doctor about getting tested for EOE.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, children with EOE can manage their symptoms and lead a healthy life.

Check out AusEE.org.au for more information

An Australian Support Network for people diagnosed with an Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder - Eosinophilic esophagitis, Eosinophilic gastritis, Eosinophilic enteritis, Eosinophilic colitis, Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

12/05/2023

Ever wondered why doctors and scientists disagree with research?

“Anyone who has ever attended a journal club (which is effectively a behind- closed-doors dissection/evisceration of a research paper) knows that consensus rarely occurs there.

People often see the very same data and/or conclusions very differently, even when sitting and discussing them side-by-side. Remember this any time you see diverging opinions about science online. It also explains the perpetual back and forth you see between online accounts about the same basic issues.

Eventually the truth filters out by way of entire bodies of work (multiple papers, by various labs etc). Just don’t expect quick resolution to the debate. If it can’t happen quickly in person, it won’t happen online.”

Andrew D HUBERMAN PHD

09/05/2023

Coeliac is not a rare condition. It effects approximately 5% of people and it is really important to diagnose and treat properly to avoid other associated conditions.

Whilst it is the best time in human history to have coeliac disease with all the options available, there is no doubt, it is a major challenge for people especially when eating out of home. Hence why lots of people ask about GluteGuard.

So, what does Coeliac Australia say about GluteGuard?

This product is an enzyme product developed and manufactured in Australia by Glutagen Pty Ltd. It is listed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) with the permitted indication:

“Helps reduce occurrence of symptoms of medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity caused by inadvertent gluten ingestion”

The Australian manufacturer of GluteGuard, Glutagen Pty Ltd, advises that:

- GluteGuard contains a natural enzyme extracted from the skin of the Carica papaya fruit. This enzyme can digest (break down) small amounts of gluten. By doing this it may help to reduce the symptoms due to inadvertent ingestion of small amounts of gluten.

- Glutagen has data from published clinical trials finding that GluteGuard may assist in reducing the occurrence of symptoms experienced by people with coeliac disease if exposed to small amounts of gluten.

- GluteGuard is not intended to treat or cure coeliac disease or any other medical condition, and therefore should not be used to replace a strict gluten-free diet.

- The intended use of GluteGuard is as an adjunct (in addition) to a strict gluten free diet to help reduce the symptoms of inadvertent gluten ingestion in individuals suffering from medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity. Inadvertent gluten ingestion may result from cross contamination and accidental ingestion, such as might occur when travelling, eating out or when meals are prepared by others.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune illness caused by dietary gluten. The only treatment for coeliac disease is the life-long avoidance of foods containing gluten. Persistent disease inflammation that may result from inadequate adherence to a strict gluten free diet may be associated with potentially serious medical complications such as anemia, osteoporosis, other autoimmune diseases, cancer and infections.

Coeliac Australia and Glutagen Pty Ltd stress that people with coeliac disease who choose to use GluteGuard must continue to maintain a strict gluten free diet even when using the product. Deliberate consumption of gluten when using GluteGuard is potentially unsafe even if you do not experience adverse symptoms.

Importantly, If you choose to use GluteGuard you should not relax your strict gluten free diet and must not deliberately ingest gluten.

For the gluten you don't know about. GluteGuard offers protection against hidden gluten in your meals. Made in Australia.

08/05/2023

At PGV, our group has grown over the years.

With specialist doctors, dietitians and physiotherapists available.

We can help with your child’s symptoms.

If your child is having GI issues, you can explore the team and our services @

Paediatric Gastroenterology Victoria specialist paediatricians and allied health professionals provide diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal problems.