The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The disorder may be caused by an abnormal immune response to proteins found in grains, particularly gluten and the related protein gliadin. Celiac disease causes the villi to become flattened and lose the ability to absorb nutrients. Symptoms appear in babies within 6 months of introducing food containing gluten in the diet. The disease also affects children and adults approximately 1 out of 25,000 people.
Risk factors are a genetic or familial tendency toward the disease.
Typically, most persons with celiac disease will have symptoms of malabsorption . However, some will have bone disease , anemia , or other conditions without diarrhea . Dental examination may show changes in the teeth. A CBC often indicates anemia. Serial biopsies may be performed before and after a gluten-free diet .