What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a genetically linked autoimmune condition that can affect both children and adults.

In people with celiac disease, eating certain types of grain-based products sets off an immune response that causes damage to the small intestine.

This, in turn, interferes with the small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients found in food, leading to malnutrition and a variety of other complications.

When the offending grains are removed, celiac disease in most cases is reversible.