Gluten-Free Diet: Myths and Facts
One of the immune disorders is celiac disease ( CeD ). CeD is not an allergy , but a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system abnormally attacks the lining of the small intestine in response to gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — in genetically susceptible individuals. This leads to inflammation and damage, impairing nutrient absorption. Untreated or active CeD can cause serious health problems, including stunted growth in children, osteoporosis, infertility, miscarriage, anemia, neurological issues, and increased risk of other autoimmune conditions or intestinal cancers. CeD affects approximately 1% of the global population (with seroprevalence around 1.4% based on blood tests and biopsy-confirmed rates around 0.7%, varying by region, sex, and age — higher in females and children). However, many cases remain undiagnosed, potentially underestimating the true burden. A landmark 2009 study by Rubio ‑ Tapia et al. (published in Gastroenterology) ...