ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

What condition is triggered by gluten and results in damage to the lining of the small intestine?

1. Celiac disease

2. Inflammatory bowel disease

3. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity

4. Lactose intolerance

The correct answer is: Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In individuals with celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly reacts to gluten as if it were a harmful substance, leading to inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption and can lead to various health issues, such as malnutrition, anemia, bone density loss, and other systemic complications. Understanding this condition's specific trigger—gluten—is crucial, as it distinguishes celiac disease from other gastrointestinal disorders. For instance, inflammatory bowel disease encompasses a broader category that includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, neither of which is directly related to gluten. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity involves a different response to gluten that does not cause the intestinal damage seen in celiac disease. Similarly, lactose intolerance relates to issues with digesting lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, and does not involve gluten at all. Thus, celiac disease uniquely fits the criteria of being triggered by gluten and resulting in intestinal damage.