Celiac disease can also cause more significant issues in the digestive system. Based on your knowledge of the function of the small intestine, which of the following do you think may occur as a result of the resulting inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine?
a) Interference with the ability of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes and hormones.
b) A decrease in the ability of the brush border cells to produce enzymes, and a decrease in chemical digestion.
c) An increase in the production of mucous resulting in a decrease in absorption of nutrients.
d) Loss of the villi surface area and a decrease in absorption of nutrients, causing malabsorption.