Gluten Intolerance: What Is It?

Gluten intolerance was long considered a rare disorder. New research shows that the prevalence is much higher than previously thought. In fact about three out of every 400 people have gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease.

Gluten intolerance is a digestive disorder. For those who have it, the body can't tolerate gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and perhaps oats.

Symptoms include weakness, appetite loss, weight loss, chronic diarrhea and abdominal cramps and bloating.

For people with this condition, consuming gluten damages the lining of the small intestine and limits the absorption of nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition.

If you think you may suffer from gluten intolerance, contact a dietetics professional.