Celiac Disease

Gluten protein intolerance

This disease of the small intestine is caused by an ability to tolerate gluten, a substance found in cereal grains. The absorption of gluten provokes degeneration of the villi in the small intestine and results in reduced nutrient uptake. Depending on the patient’s age and the phase of the disease, it may result in nutritional deprivation. At the present time, the only treatment for celiac disease is carefully avoiding foods containing gluten.