Intestinal Permeability
(Leaky Gut Syndrome)

The intestinal permeability screen is a test to help establish a link (from a gastrointestinal standpoint) to systemic symptomatology and illness, especially as it relates to digestive and gut processes.

Altered intestinal permeability is now recognized as a link in many common chronic-type illnesses. These illnesses include certain types of clinical infections, food and chemical allergy and sensitivity, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, dermatologic conditions, coeliac disease, colitis, various types of autoimmune illnesses (such as rheumatoid arthritis) ankylosing spondylitis and many types of serious chronic illnesses (such as cancer and HIV infection). Decreased permeability appears to be a fundamental cause of malnutrition, malabsorption, and failure to thrive.

The test is administered by drinking a mixture of two sugars, such as lactulose and mannitol. They are both water-soluble molecules that are not metabolized by the human body. Mannitol, in general, for normal individuals, is readily absorbed and excreted in the urine, whereas lactulose is not absorbed and is excreted in the feces. We will be able to measure alterations in gastrointestinal permeability that may contribute some of the current symptomatology you are experiencing.

After drinking a mixture of these two substances (which you will purchase from a local compounding pharmacy or at the office), you will collect urine in a predetermined fashion in a container that will be provided. Complete instructions will be given at the time of the test.

From the amount of lactulose and mannitol contained in the urine, a mathematical analysis of barriers to normal absorption and bioavailability through the gastrointestinal tract can be determined. Based on this laboratory analysis, a specific nutritional-based therapeutic intervention can be established to help correct underlying deficiencies and improve overall gastrointestinal function. In turn, this correction would have a favorable impact on many types of chronic illnesses, as outlined above.

Your test results will be reviewed at your follow-up visit. If you have any particular questions, please contact the Advanced Medical Center.

Dale Guyer, M.D.