Intestinal Permeability Assessment #2305

Description

The Intestinal Permeability Assessment by Genova Diagnostics is a functional urine test designed to evaluate the integrity of the intestinal barrier and detect increased gut permeability (“leaky gut”).

This test measures how two non-metabolized sugars—lactulose and mannitol—are absorbed after ingestion, providing insight into both cellular absorption and barrier integrity.

👉 As shown in the report, the test calculates:

• Lactulose percent recovery
• Mannitol percent recovery
• Lactulose/Mannitol ratio

These markers allow differentiation between paracellular leak (between cells) and transcellular absorption (through cells), giving a more complete picture of gut barrier function.

🔬 What This Test Measures

1. Lactulose (Paracellular Pathway)

• Large molecule
• Normally minimally absorbed

👉 Elevated levels indicate increased permeability between intestinal cells (“leaky junctions”)

2. Mannitol (Transcellular Pathway)

• Small molecule
• Normally absorbed through healthy cells

👉 Low levels indicate impaired absorption or mucosal damage

3. Lactulose/Mannitol Ratio

• Core diagnostic marker

👉 Higher ratio indicates compromised intestinal barrier integrity

🧠 Clinical Insights

• Evaluates intestinal barrier function
• Differentiates permeability vs malabsorption
• Identifies compromised gut integrity
• Supports investigation of inflammation-related gut dysfunction

Increased intestinal permeability has been associated with immune activation, food sensitivities, and chronic gastrointestinal disorders.

👤 Who Should Consider This Test

• IBS or unexplained digestive symptoms
• Food sensitivities
• Chronic inflammation
• Suspected leaky gut
• Malabsorption issues

⚠️ Limitations

• ❌ Does not detect infections
• ❌ No microbiome analysis
• ❌ No immune antibody assessment

👉 This is a functional test of gut barrier integrity

🔷 Functional vs Immune Testing (Important Section)

👉 Use Genova to answer:
“Is my gut barrier leaking?”

👉 Use Cyrex to answer:
“Is my immune system reacting to that leak?”