What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition in which the
absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by gluten.
The disease affects about 1% of the population.  This results in
an inability of the body to absorb nutrients: protein, fat, vitamins
carbohydrates and minerals.

When a person with Celiac ingests gluten, an autoimmune response
is triggered that causes the body to react by damaging the lining of
the small intestine.  The damage caused has both long and short
term effects.  These effects can lead  people with the disease
susceptible of developing complications such as osteoporosis,
malnutrition, anemia, just to name a few.

Celiac disease is not a food allergy.  It is a permanent condition.
Some allergies can disappear over time, this is not seen with Celiac.
It is now considered the most common autoimmune disease in
Europe and North America.  At this time, there is no cure, treated
by a strict gluten free diet.