Final answer:
Celiac disease can cause vitamin deficiencies such as folate, iron, and B vitamins due to malabsorption from damaged microvilli in the small intestine. Lab findings include the presence of IgA antibodies and a biopsy of the damaged tissue. The primary treatment is a gluten-free diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamin Deficiency Associated with Celiac Disease and Lab Findings
Celiac disease is associated with deficiencies in various vitamins and nutrients, such as folate, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. This is attributable to malabsorption caused by damage to the small intestine's microvilli due to an autoimmune response to gluten. When the microvilli are damaged, they cannot properly absorb nutrients leading to these deficiencies. The associated lab findings for celiac disease diagnosis include serological tests that look for IgA antibodies to gluten components, transglutaminase enzymes, and autoantibodies to endomysium. If these tests are positive, an endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenal mucosa are typically conducted for confirmation.
Impact of Celiac Disease Symptoms
The variety of symptoms of celiac disease, ranging from digestive issues to anemia and depression, are due to the body's need to digest and absorb adequate amounts of nutrients. If the nutrients are not properly absorbed, it can affect cells and organs throughout the body. The main treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet, although in some cases, medications such as steroids may be necessary.
Autoimmune Diseases Affecting the Digestive System
Other autoimmune diseases that involve the body attacking its own digestive system include disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which like celiac disease can cause inflammation and damage to various parts of the gastrointestinal tract.