What is the Intestinal Permeability Test?
In the small intestine, the epithelium performs a dual function: digestion and absorption of nutrients on the one hand and functioning as a selective mucosal barrier to microorganisms and macromolecules on the other.
Thus, when we speak of intestinal permeability we refer to the capacity or property of the intestinal membranes to allow or not the passage of different macromolecules.
This intestinal permeability can be altered by either a defect or an excess.
The Intestinal Permeability Test is used to check whether the intestinal barrier is functioning properly. If the intestinal permeability has high registers, the integrity of the mucosa will be lost, and if it has low registers, the opposite is true.
What does the Intestinal Permeability Test consist of?
The test, which is completely non-invasive, consists of the administration of non-metabolizable substances with a different molecular weight, such as mannitol or lactulose. This administration is carried out orally, and the elimination of both substances in urine will inform specialists of their absorption percentage.
Why is the Intestinal Permeability Test performed?
The test is especially indicated in:
- People who want to manage their health in a proactive way.
- Patients with chronic intestinal diseases
- Patients with chronic systemic or immune system diseases.
Intestinal permeability refers to the ability of the intestine to allow or block the passage of macromolecules.
Preparation for the Intestinal Permeability Test
No special preparation is required for the test, in fact it is only necessary to come to the test with at least eight hours of fasting. In addition, the patient will not be able to ingest any medication or make any type of effort.
Meaning of the Intestinal Permeability Test results
When a person undergoes the test, there are two options: positive or negative.
In the case of a positive test result, it will be necessary to treat the patient, who will then be placed on a food exclusion diet to reduce the chances of becoming sensitized to other foods.