Celiac disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.
When a person with celiac eats gluten, the protein interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food by damaging a part of the small intestine called villi. Damaged villi make it nearly impossible for the body to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to malnourishment and a host of other problems including some cancers, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, infertility and the onset of other autoimmune diseases.
Celiac disease is:
● A serious autoimmune disease
● Genetic
● Triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye
When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the finger-like villi of the small intestine. Left untreated, people with celiac disease are at-risk for serious health consequences.
Our Getting Started Guide contains essential information for both newly diagnosed with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity and those looking to better manage their gluten-free diet.
Download NowWith the help of our Parent Resources Toolkit, you can learn to use legal protections to ensure that the school environment does not compromise your child’s health.
Download NowCurrently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Researchers are working hard to find alternative therapies and possibly a cure. Visit our Research section to learn more about celiac disease drug development or click the links below.
Beyond Celiac unites with patients and partners to drive diagnosis, advance research and accelerate the discovery of new treatments and a cure. Click the links below for more information for celiac disease patients, caregivers and researchers.
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