Glossary

Celiac Disease (Celiac Sprue)

An intestinal disease characterized by sensitivity to gluten (a protein in wheat and other grains), malabsorption (inability to absorb nutrients and proteins properly), and steatorrhea (passage of large amounts of fat in the feces). The resultant chronic inflammation of the small intestine causes malabsorption, diarrhea, and nutritional deficiencies.

Date Last Reviewed: 3/18/2004
Date Last Modified: 3/18/2004