Leaky Gut

Complete Status of Intestinal Colonization

The human intestine is colonised by many different species of bacteria (their number is a hundredfold higher than the number of human body cells).  These intestinal bacteria vary considerably in their species and life conditions.  Subsequent to the digestive processes in the mouth, stomach and small intestine they further degrade the modified nutrient mixture and make sure that the digestion of our food can be processed throughly and properly.  This tests measures the strains of bacteria, all yeasts and moulds, measures the stool PH and detects and identifies species of fungi.

Specimen: Single stool sample

Intestinal Permeability/Leaky Gut

This test measures the ability of the molecule, mannitol, to permeate the intestinal epithelial barrier. Ordinarily, mannitol is efficiently absorbed. This test can help to identify malabsorption and “leaky gut” syndrome (abnormal intestinal permeability), which is often associated with inflammation specifically in the gastrointestinal tract. This test requires a baseline urine collection followed by a six-hour timed urine collection after ingesting a mannitol solution.

Specimen: Urine

Zonulin

Circulating zonulin is a clinically useful marker of intestinal permeability. Zonulin is a protein, synthesized in intestinal and liver cells, that reversibly regulates intestinal permeability.

High levels of zonulin have been associated with increased intestinal permeability, as zonulin induces the breakdown of the tight junctions between cells in the gut lining.

Specimen: Serum

Organic Acid Test

This test reports 21 metabolites (including creatinine) such as markers for beneficial bacteria, harmful bacteria, Clostridia species, Candida species, yeast and fungal metabolites, and general markers of dysbiosis.

Specimen: Urine

*Laboratory costs are provided during consultations.