Individuals with celiac disease experience damage to which part of their body when consuming gluten?

Individuals with celiac disease experience damage primarily to the small intestine when they consume gluten. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder wherein the ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage primarily affects the villi, which are tiny, finger-like projections that line the intestinal walls and are crucial for nutrient absorption. When the villi are damaged, nutrient absorption is impaired, leading to various gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.

The small intestine's importance in nutrient absorption underscores why it is specifically affected in this condition. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, it can lead to a host of digestive issues as well as deficiencies in essential nutrients, potentially impacting overall health. Other parts of the body, such as the brain, stomach, and large intestine, may manifest symptoms related to celiac disease but are not the primary sites of damage due to gluten consumption.