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Celiac Disease vs. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, they are unable to properly absorb the nutrients from food and the villi of their small intestine become damaged.

The only treatment for celiac disease is to maintain a strict, 100% gluten-free diet.

Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten at all costs, and that includes gluten-free foods that have come in contact with gluten. Even a very small amount of gluten can trigger the immune response in individuals with celiac disease.

For that reason, NFCA does NOT recommend the Domino’s Gluten Free Crust Pizza for individuals with celiac disease. While the crust itself is gluten-free, the tools used to prepare the pizza may expose the finished pizza to gluten.

Learn more about the preparation process in the Customer FAQs.

Think you might have celiac disease? Take the Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.

What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity has been coined to describe individuals who cannot tolerate gluten and experience symptoms similar to those with celiac disease, but yet who lack the same antibodies and intestinal damage as seen in celiac disease. Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity would not test positive for celiac disease based on blood testing, nor do they have the same type of intestinal damage found in individuals with celiac disease. Some individuals may experience minimal intestinal damage, and this goes away with a gluten-free diet.

Like celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is treated with a gluten-free diet.

Considering a Gluten-Free Diet?

If you are considering a switch to a gluten-free diet, it is critical that you get tested for celiac disease before going gluten-free. Eliminating gluten prior to testing can affect the accuracy of test results. An accurate diagnosis can help you make informed decisions about which foods are appropriate for your health needs.

Learn how to get tested for celiac disease.

  • Have you or your family members been diagnosed?
  • Stay Informed!