Celiac disease, a condition that affects individuals who eat gluten, attacks the cellular lining of the small intestine. When certain individuals eat popular gluten foods, the body is unable to process important proteins and nutrients, especially fats, iron, and folic acid. Villi, important hair-like structures found on the lining of the small intestine, are vital for optimum health. Following a common pattern found in most autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the so called foreign invaders, or in this specific case, the protein itself.
If gluten free foods are not eliminated from the diet, the body may develop central nervous system disorders, vitamin deficiencies, pancreatic insufficiency, gall bladder issues, and neurological manifestations.