What disorder is characterized by an intolerance to gluten?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This disorder is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption. Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, bloating, and various other gastrointestinal and systemic manifestations.

While gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, and both FODMAP intolerance and lactose intolerance relate to difficulties in digesting specific carbohydrates or sugars rather than proteins, these conditions do not involve the immune response triggered by gluten that is hallmark of celiac disease. Therefore, the distinct relationship between gluten and the adverse effects observed in individuals with celiac disease solidifies its classification as the disorder characterized by an intolerance to gluten.