Celiac Disease Glossary G-L

Definition of Gliadin
Gliadin is one of the prolamin proteins. Prolamins, also known as "seed storage proteins," are found in the cereal grains. Gliadin is one of the components of wheat gluten.

Definition of Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes (also known as leukocytes) are small white blood cells that play an role in the body’s immune response against germs and diseases. There are two main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells.

What Is lactose?
Lactose is a type of sugar that is present in milk. Many people have lactose intolerance, meaning they are unable to digest significant amounts of lactose.

Gluten
In people with celiac disease, gluten molecules in wheat, barley and rye trigger an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine.

Guar Gum
Definition of Guar Gum

Homocysteine
An elevated level of the amino acid homocysteine increases a person's risk of heart attacks, vascular disease, and strokes.

Incidence
Incidence and prevalence are both terms that are commonly used to refer to measurements of disease frequency. Learn what they mean.

Lactase
Lactase definition