What is celiac disease triggered by?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is specifically triggered by the consumption of gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In individuals with celiac disease, ingesting gluten leads to an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This intestinal damage impairs nutrient absorption, resulting in a variety of gastrointestinal and other systemic symptoms.

Understanding that celiac disease is related to gluten is crucial for dietary management, as individuals diagnosed with this condition must strictly avoid gluten-containing foods to maintain their health and prevent adverse reactions. This makes options indicating sensitivities to dairy, allergies to nuts, or vitamin deficiencies irrelevant in the context of celiac disease, as they do not address the disease's underlying trigger.