Intestinal Permeability or Leaky Gut Syndrome
Intestinal Permeability or Leaky gut syndrome is a condition whereby the lining of the digestive tract becomes damaged and the contents of the gut can be too easily absorbed. A compromised intestinal barrier prevents the gut functioning as a digestive/absorptive organ as well as a barrier to toxic/antigenic compounds and partially digested macromolecules. These larger particles, if absorbed, trigger immune reactions including food allergies and intolerances.
Enhanced uptake of toxic compounds can overwhelm the livers detoxification systems as well as lead to an overly sensitive immune system. In certain conditions such as Coeliac Disease, permeability to small molecules such as vitamins and minerals often results in malnutrition.
Symptoms associated with Increased Permeability:
- Fatigue and malaise
- Arthralgias
- Myalgias
- Fevers of unknown origin
- Food intolerances
- Abdominal pain and distention
- Diarrhoea
- Skin rashes
- Toxic feelings
- Cognitive memory deficits
- Shortness of breath
- Poor exercise tolerance
Conditions associated with Increased Permeability:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Food allergy/ intolerance
- Coeliac disease, herpetiformis dermatitis
- Urticaria, eczema, psoriasis, acne
- HIV infection
- Cystic fibrosis
- Alcoholism
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- How does the test work ?
The gut permeability assessment directly measures the ability of two non-metabolised sugar molecules, Lactulose and Mannitol, to permeate the intestinal mucosa. Lactulose is only slightly absorbed; if the guts immune system or barrier wall is compromised the level of Lactulose in the urine can serve as a marker to the degree of mucosal integrity. Mannitol is easily absorbed therefore serving as a marker of transcellular uptake.
Sample Requirements
To perform the test a drink of pre-measured amount of lactulose and mannitol is consumed. The degree of permeability is reflected in the level of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample collected over 6 hours.
