digestive disorders
Celiac Disease
Causes of Celiac Disease
In celiac disease, gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and, to a lesser extent, in barley and rye, stimulates the immune system to produce certain antibodies. These antibodies damage the inner lining of the small intestine, resulting in flattening of the villi (small projections along the lining of the small intestine that absorb nutrients). The resulting smooth surface leads to Overview of Malabsorption . However, the small intestine's normal brushlike surface and function are restored when the person stops eating foods containing gluten. 