Celiac Disease, Explained in Just 2 Minutes

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, and it causes the immune system to see gluten proteins as an invader. When gluten is present, the immune system launches an attack on the protein in the small intestine (which is where it gets digested).

Repeated attacks on the small intestine damage the villi, which are tiny, fingerlike projections that line the small intestine to absorb nutrients. Not only does this blunt their appearance — making them shorter and rounded — but it inhibits their ability to absorb nutrients. As a result, people with unmanaged celiac disease tend to be prone to nutrient deficiencies.

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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.

Reviewed by:

Sanjai Sinha, MD

Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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