Celiac disease on the rise

July 2, 2009 A report in the journal Gastroenterology says cases are on the rise. Compared to 50 years ago, four times as many people are now testing positive for the disorder.

With Celiac the body can't tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat. In addition, the body cannot tolerate rye or barley.

When consumed, the immune response can damage the small intestines and nutrients can't be absorbed.

Doctors don't know why Celiac is on the rise. It may have to do with the way wheat is now grown or processed, or the fact it's now used in so many different products.