Abstract
Celiac disease (CD) is an inherited autoimmune disease in which gluten (from wheat, rye, and barley) triggers villous atrophy in the small intestine, causing malabsorption of nutrients. Celiac disease affects 1:100-1:200 worldwide, although many remain undiagnosed. The only treatment for CD is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of developing associated conditions, including osteoporosis, lymphoma, reproductive complications, and other autoimmune diseases. Newly diagnosed CD patients need positive and accurate guidance and follow-up by physicians and dietitians with expertise in CD to enable recovery and compliance with this complex lifelong diet.