<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> A few days ago, I asked the following question: "In her post, Diana said: "Small amounts of gluten can build up over amounts of time and cause damage and this is why a person should not eat any amount no matter how small because it can cause refractory celiac, lymphoma, auto-immune diseases like MS and lupus and many others. " Although I was aware of some possible links between MS, lupus, and other automimmune diseases and celiac, this is the first time I have seen a suggestion that less-than-total compliance with the GF diet "causes" these other diseases. Can anyone comment on whether this is true?" Most people who responded to my question indicated that while there is strong evidence that untreated celiac can result in intenstinal lymphoma and cancer, it does not "cause" other autoimmune disorders. One person said that gluten in the diet doesn't "cause" other autoimmune diseases, but does keep the immune system "revved up" which can be a factor in getting another auto immune disease. Similarly, another person stated: "Although I would not call gluten the cause of other autoimmune diseases, exposure to gluten certainly seems to result in a higher prevalence of them than would otherwise be expected. And the longer the exposure to gluten, the greater the chances are of developing these other disorders. So there is a relationship between gluten and these other diseases, but more research will need to be done to determine exactly what is involved. However, there is no question but that strict adherence to the GF diet not only prevents the complications of celiac disease, such as lymphoma and osteoporosis, but lessens the chances of developing other autoimmune diseases. I base my comments on research papers I have read on this subject. I have never seen the statement before about small amounts of gluten building up and causing damage. I don't believe that this is the way it works. Exposure to gluten starts a process in the body whereby the immune system is activated to defend itself. Along the way the villi are damaged. What does seem to be unresolved is the amount of gluten that can trigger this process and does this amount vary from individual to individual. I don't believe in taking unnecessary chances with my health, so I do my best to avoid all contact with gluten."