Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients. Celiac disease may also cause non-gastrointestinal symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and headaches. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding all foods and products that contain gluten. This can help to alleviate symptoms and promote healing of the small intestine. In some cases, medications may be used to manage symptoms or treat complications of celiac disease, such as osteoporosis. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider and a registered dietitian to develop a safe and healthy gluten-free diet and manage celiac disease effectively over time.

Your genes combined with eating foods with gluten and other factors can contribute to celiac disease, but the precise cause isn't known. Infant-feeding practices, gastrointestinal infections and gut bacteria might contribute, as well. Sometimes celiac disease becomes active after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection or severe emotional stress.

When the body's immune system overreacts to gluten in food, the reaction damages the tiny, hairlike projections (villi) that line the small intestine. Villi absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the food you eat. If your villi are damaged, you can't get enough nutrients, no matter how much you eat.

A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease. Besides wheat, foods that contain gluten include:

• Barley
• Bulgur
• Durum
• Farina
• Graham flour
• Malt
• Rye
• Semolina
• Spelt (a form of wheat)
• Triticale

A dietitian who works with people with celiac disease can help you plan a healthy gluten-free diet. Even trace amounts of gluten in your diet can be damaging, even if they don't cause signs or symptoms.

Gluten can be hidden in foods, medications and nonfood products, including:

• Modified food starch, preservatives and food stabilizers
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Herbal and nutritional supplements
• Lipstick products
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Communion wafers
• Envelope and stamp glue
• Play dough

Removing gluten from your diet will gradually reduce inflammation in your small intestine, causing you to feel better and eventually heal. Children tend to heal more quickly than adults.

Vitamin and mineral supplements

If your anemia or nutritional deficiencies are severe, your doctor or dietitian might recommend that you take supplements, including:

• Copper
• Folate
• Iron
• Vitamin B-12
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Zinc

Vitamins and supplements are usually taken in pill form. If your digestive tract has trouble absorbing vitamins, your doctor might give them by injection.