U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Contact Us | Jobs at NIDDK | Get Email Updates
| ShareExternal Link Disclaimer

 

Alternate Versions

 

Contact Us

Health Information Center
 

Celiac Disease Organizations

 

Many organizations provide support to patients and medical professionals. View the full list of Celiac Disease Organizations​​.
Español

Celiac Disease

View or Print All Sections

​​Definition and Facts for Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine. People with celiac disease cannot eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The disease can cause long-term digestive problems and keep you from getting nutrients you need.
​​Symptoms and Causes of Celiac Disease
If you have celiac disease, you may experience digestive symptoms or symptoms in other parts of your body. Digestive symptoms are more common in children than adults. Some people with celiac disease have no symptoms.
​Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
Your doctor may diagnose celiac disease with a medical and family history, a physical exam, blood tests, an intestinal biopsy, a skin biopsy, and genetic tests. Doctors in the United Stated do not routinely screen people for celiac disease.
​Treatment for Celiac Disease
Doctors treat celiac disease by prescribing a gluten-free diet. Symptoms significantly improve for most people with celiac disease who follow a gluten-free diet. A dietitian can teach you how to avoid gluten while following a healthy and nutritious diet.
​​Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Celiac Disease
Eating, diet, and nutrition play a major role in treating celiac disease. You should maintain a gluten-free diet by avoiding all products that contain gluten. You can maintain a well-balanced diet with a variety of foods that do not include gluten.
​Clinical Trials for Celiac Disease
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.
Related Diagnostic Tests

 
Additional Languages

This content is also available in:

 

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. 
 
The NIDDK would like to thank:
Joseph A. Murray, M.D., Mayo Clinic
 
This information is not copyrighted. The NIDDK encourages people to share this content freely.
NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®

Research & Funding for Scientists

Health Information

About NIDDK

News

Contact Us Get Email Updates Twitter Facebook Follow Us
Privacy Policy | Freedom of Information Act | Accessibility | Disclaimers | Copyright | Sitemap | For Staff Only | Jobs at NIDDK
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Health Information Center, Telephone: 1-800-860-8747

Contact the NIDDK Health Information Center

Phone: 1-800-860-8747 | TTY: 1-866-569-1162 | Email: healthinfo@niddk.nih.gov | Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, M-F

Link to HHS Home Page Link to NIH Home Page Link to USA.gov Home Page