The intestines contain projections (called villi) which normally absorb nutrients. Celiac disease causes the villi to become flattened and lose the ability to absorb nutrients. Weight loss, anemia, and vitamin deficiences may occur as a result of the malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract).

Symptoms appear in babies within 6 months of introducing food containing gluten in the diet. The disease also affects children and adults. As many as 1 in 250 people may have the disease. (Some studies estimate that it is even more common, at 1 in 150.) Most people with the disease are undiagnosed (About 1 in 2500 are diagnosed).

Risk factors are a genetic or familial tendency toward the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians or northern and southern European ancestry, and approximately 70% of reported cases occur in women.

Diseases that can be associated with celiac disease include lactose intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis (a burning, itching, blistering rash), insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid disease, and autoimmune disorders.

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