06/13/2026
For someone with celiac disease, even a small amount of gluten can cause harm.
You may have heard someone say, "A little bit can't hurt, right?" Unfortunately, that's not how celiac disease works.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the lining of the small intestine. This can happen even when the amount of gluten is too small to see, taste, or notice.
Some people experience symptoms right away, while others may have no obvious symptoms at all. But whether symptoms are present or not, gluten exposure can still trigger an immune response.
That's why people with celiac disease pay close attention to ingredients, food preparation, and cross contact. Even a small amount of gluten can have negative impacts on their health.