This Intestinal Permeability Urine Assessment Test Kit measures the following analytes:
- Lactulose
- Mannitol
- Lactulose/Mannitol Ratio
This test CANNOT be performed on individuals with diabetes with >105mg/dl fasting urine glucose concentration. In addition, if you have had allergic reactions to foods (including sugar-free foods, beverages, candies, gum, and mints), dietary supplements, dental products, or medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) containing sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol, you should NOT take this test. This test is also NOT recommended for individuals with allergic reactions to lactulose or on a lactose-restricted diet.
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Intestinal Permeability Urine Assessment Test Kit that analyzes urine for the clearance of two non-metabolized sugars, lactulose and mannitol, which can indicate leaky gut and malabsorption. The Intestinal Permeability Assessment test directly measures the ability of two non-metabolized sugar molecules to permeate the intestinal mucosa. Individuals must drink a premeasured amount of lactulose and mannitol. The degree of intestinal permeability or malabsorption is reflected in the levels of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample collected over the following 6 hours.
Studies have demonstrated that the increased intestinal permeability observed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis may be an essential factor in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Decreased permeability, however, appears as a fundamental cause of malabsorption, subsequent malnutrition, and failure to thrive. In certain disease states of the small intestine, such as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, permeability to large molecules may increase. In contrast, permeability to small molecules decreases due to damage to the microvilli. As a result, nutrients become even less available to assist in detoxifying antigens flooding the system.
What conditions are associated with increased intestinal permeability?
Increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as "leaky gut," is associated with a range of disorders, such as:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Food allergy
- Inflammatory joint disease
- Chronic dermatologic conditions
Increased intestinal permeability of the small intestine can:
- Increase the number of foreign compounds entering the bloodstream.
- Allow bacterial antigens capable of cross-reacting with host tissue to enter the bloodstream, leading to auto-immune processes.
- Enhance the uptake of toxic compounds that can overwhelm the hepatic detoxification system and lead to an overly sensitized immune system.
When should I order an Intestinal Permeability Urine Assessment Test Kit?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) symptoms. Common signs or symptoms of a leaky gut include the following:
- Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or bloating
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Skin problems (acne, rashes, or eczema)
- Joint pain
- Widespread inflammation
