Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
When people with Celiac disease eat gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.
Celiac disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide.
Over 2 million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications from Celiac disease.
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