Definition: A digestive condition in which gluten causes an autoimmune response in the small intestine. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains, such as wheat, oats, rye and barley. The autoimmune response causes damage to the villi in the small intestine. The villi are tiny protuberances in the small intestine that help to absorb nutrients from food. Typical symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea and weight loss. Celiac disease is treated by avoiding gluten.
Sources:
Celiac Sprue Association. "Celiac Disease Defined." Celiac Sprue Association 01 Jan 2004. 29 June 2007.
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. "Celiac Disease." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases May 2007. 29 June 2007.
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. "What is celiac disease?" National Foundation for Celiac Awareness 2007. 29 June 2007.
Pronunciation: (SEL-ee-ak duh-zeez)
Also Known As: celiac sprue, gluten intolerance, nontropical sprue
