iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll citlhscTesting for Intestinal Permeability
Testing for intestinal permeability is fairly simple and noninvasive
through the Mannitol-Lactulose Intestinal Permeability Test.
The patient drinks a premeasured amount of two sugars: lactulose and
mannitol. The degree of intestinal permeability or malabsorption is re-
flected in the levels of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample col-
lected over the next six hours.
Mannitol, a monosaccharide, should be well-absorbed by the intestinal
barrier. In contrast, lactulose, a disaccharide, is normally not absorbed
unless the intestinal barrier is compromised.
The test measures the ratio of lactulose to mannitol in the urine. An elevated
ratio means excessive lactulose was absorbed, indicating leaky gut syndrome.
Tests can be repeated to gauge progress with leaky gut treatment.
Pillars of Optimal Gut Function
To fix our immune system, we must restore optimal gut function. The pil-
lars of optimal gut function are digestion, elimination, microflora balance,
and gut integrity.
Figure 8: Pillars of Optimal Gut Function