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Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance: What’s the Difference?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, while gluten intolerance is a digestive disorder.

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on April 6, 2025
Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | April 6, 2025

It’s a myth that a gluten-free diet is a weight-loss diet, or that it’s always “healthier” than other diets. The truth is, a gluten-free diet is often a critical medical treatment.

Two common reasons someone might adopt a gluten-free diet are celiac disease and gluten intolerance. These are two conditions that are often used interchangeably but are definitely not the same thing.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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