There's evidence that breast-feeding may help prevent a baby from developing celiac disease, an auto-immune disorder that causes the malabsorption of food.

Encyclopedia: Breast-Feeding

Television station WBAL reported that people with celiac disease can't eat wheat barley or rye.

Laura Bruce has breast-fed her 4-month-old son, Lenard, since he was born.

Bruce said she made the decision easily for Lenard's "growth, development through breast milk, nothing manmade. I have it, so I wanted to take advantage of what I have. I couldn't believe I could actually do it."

According to a new British study, Bruce may also be helping her son avoid celiac disease. Dr. Jonathan Schreiber, a gastroenterologist at Baltimore's Mercy Medical Center, said breast-feeding may simply delay the introduction of gluten into the diet.

"We also know that breast milk prevents lots of (gastro-intestinal) tract infections in kids. Breast milk has antibodies in it and that's very protective," he said.

Mercy lactation consultant Maureen Treat couldn't agree more.

"We have known for many years that breast milk has immune globulins that coat the GI tract, that prevent many illnesses and allergies," Treat said.

But for Bruce and her son, the proof is in the baby -- no colds, no allergies.

"This is the proof right here, he's growing leaps and bounds," Bruce said.

Celiac disease was once thought to be somewhat rare, but it's now known that many more people, adults and children, have celiac than doctors ever thought. The station reported said the disease can be often misdiagnosed because the symptoms can masquerade as many different ailments.