A member asked:

What is the difference between celiacs and gluten sensitivity?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Natalie Hodge answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Semantics: Diagnosed celiac requires biopsy showing classic blunted intestinal villi caused by autoimmune destruction. These patients need to avoid gluten for life. Some claim "gluten sensitivity" and these are either undiagnosed celiac patients who prefer not to have biopsy done, or consumers who follow the current health trend to avoid it. Avoiding gluten for life is not an easy task.

Answered 5/7/2019

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One is a disease: Celiac disease is an immune reaction to the food and will happen even with a trace of ingested gluten. In general some people "respond" to limiting gluten despite not having Celiac because they are now paying attention to food labels. Gluten containing foods tend to be highly refined / processed. By avoiding these one is eating more REAL food. This is likely the benefit if "sensitive"

Answered 10/17/2015

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