Health Information
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Understanding This Symptom
Medical Definition
Subject Matter Expert Verified
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye - triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.
This immune reaction flattens and destroys the intestinal villi, which are essential for nutrient absorption.
The condition affects approximately 1% of the global population, though many cases remain undiagnosed, and it can develop at any age.
Left untreated, celiac disease leads to malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies, and increased risk of other autoimmune conditions and certain cancers.
Quick Facts
What Optimal Health Looks Like
Understanding how your body functions when healthy helps identify dysfunction
A healthy small intestine is approximately 20 feet long with millions of finger-like projections called villi that line its surface, dramatically increasing the absorptive area.
These villi contain even smaller projections called microvilli (forming the brush border), where nutrient absorption occurs.
Intestinal cells (enterocytes) produce enzymes like lactase, maltase, and sucrase to break down carbohydrates.
The intestinal barrier is maintained by tight junction proteins (including zonula occludens), preventing undigested proteins and bacteria from entering the bloodstream.
Healthy Function
Your body is designed to maintain balance and self-regulate
How This Develops
Genetic predisposition -
and the remainder carry HLA-DQ
Gluten ingestion - Gliadin (the alcohol-soluble fraction of gluten) enters the intestinal epithelium
Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) modification - tTG deamidates gliadin peptides, converting specific glutamine residues to glutamate, dramatically increasing their immunogenicity
T-cell activation - Deamidated gliadin is presented by HLA-DQ
Autoantibody production - B-cells produce IgA antibodies against tTG (tTG IgA) and gliadin (DGP IgA/IgG)
Villous atrophy - Activated T-cells and autoantibodies damage the intestinal epithelium, causing crypt hyperplasia and villous flattening (atrophy)
Marsh classification - Type
Malabsorption - Loss of villous surface area severely impairs absorption of fats, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), iron, calcium, folate, and B
Understanding the mechanism helps us target the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
What Happens If Left Untreated
Understanding the consequences helps you make informed decisions about your health
Short-Term Consequences
Days to weeks
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Time Matters
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.