The Basic package for a gluten-free diet consists of a number of important stool analyses. These are intended for people who have had gastrointestinal complaints for a longer period and follow a diet that contains no gluten. This special package contains the following analyses: Markers for digestion. Gut flora analyses and the number of yeasts, such as Candida species. Inflammatory reactions: calprotectin (a marker for the increase in white blood cells), secretory IgA (immune resistance) and beta-defensin-2 (which is produced by the wall of the large intestine). Zonulin (test for a leaky gut).

Digestive problems
Measurements of acidity, whether too high or too low, indicate a disturbance of the gut flora. When undigested food, mucus and an abnormal consistency are found in the stool, this indicates a dietary problem or an intestinal disorder. If you do not tolerate starch-rich products such as bread, the starch content of the stool may increase. This can cause an increase in yeasts, such as Candida species. An increase in fat content is associated with several conditions: disorders of the liver, gallbladder or pancreas. Fat content may also increase in people with coeliac disease when gluten is consumed, in intestinal inflammation, with parasites or when acid-suppressing medicines are used.

Gut flora
The gut flora analysis is carried out using specific culture methods in which the numbers of the main aerobic bacterial groups are determined (Enterobacteriaceae, E.coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp.). In addition, a genetic technique is used to determine the numbers of the anaerobic bacterium Bifidobacterium spp. Gut bacteria play an important role in maintaining a healthy intestinal environment and immunity.

Yeast overgrowth
A culture is used to determine the numbers of fungi and yeasts such as Candida albicans. An increase in Candida species can cause a bloated abdomen, mushy stools and flatulence. Do you have gastrointestinal complaints that developed after a course of antibiotics? A decrease in bacterial numbers can cause symptoms and may be accompanied by an increase in Candida species and reduced resistance. This test is also very useful for women who have had recurrent Candida infections.

Calprotectin
Calprotectin is a specific inflammatory marker for the intestinal wall and stomach. Calprotectin has an antibacterial effect and is released by white blood cells. An increase in calprotectin is caused by inflammation. Strongly elevated values occur in chronic inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The test can also be used to monitor people with an inflammatory disease over a longer period. The use of painkillers such as diclofenac – a medicine often prescribed for joint complaints – can cause stomach complaints and intestinal damage. The level of the inflammatory marker calprotectin may therefore be elevated.

Beta-defensin-2
Beta-defensin-2 is a natural antibacterial substance produced exclusively by specialised cells in the wall of the large intestine. The beta-defensin-2 test helps distinguish between a disorder of the large intestine and one of the small intestine. In an infection with D. fragilis, a parasite that infects the large intestine, beta-defensin-2 values are often elevated. This indicates that the intestinal wall is irritated by the parasite.

Package contents

The Basic package without gluten markers contains the following analyses:
– Digestive parameters: pH, fat content, starch and plant fibres, consistency and colour
– Aerobic gut flora: Enterobacteriaceae spp, E.coli, Lactobacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp.
– Bifidobacterium spp.
– Yeasts and fungi (including Candida species)
– Inflammatory markers: calprotectin, beta-defensin-2, lactoferrin and transferrin

Indications/symptoms

The following complaints and indications may occur with one or more conditions that are
investigated in the Basic package:
– Nausea
– Fatigue
– Regular abdominal pain
– Stomach complaints
– Sleep problems
– Itchy skin, eczema
– Anal itching
– Loose stools or constipation
– Mushy, unformed stools
– Fatty stools (light in colour)
– Stools that stick to the toilet
– Fermenting stools
– Undigested food
– Bloated abdomen after eating
– Flatulence after eating
– Complaints after eating bread, rice and pasta
– Aching pain in the upper abdomen
– Complaints after fatty food
– Reduced resistance, frequent colds
– Mucus formation in the throat, sore throat
– Coughing, shortness of breath
– Itchy ears or eyes
– Fungal infections
– Bladder irritation
– Joint complaints or muscle pain
– Vaginal irritation
– Use of acid-suppressing medicines
– Symptoms decrease after probiotic use
– Symptoms developed after a course of antibiotics
– Family members with gallbladder complaints
– Increase in symptoms after consuming sugar or starch
– Frequent use of antibiotics
– Use of contraception and painkillers
– In children: growth retardation
– Anaemia, deficiency of minerals or vitamins
– Depression, neurological complaints
– Migraine
– Gastrointestinal complaints since childhood
– Gluten intolerance when gluten is consumed (antibodies against gluten are not
determined)

Gut flora in babies
A baby has a distinct gut flora that appears after only a few days. After several weeks, the flora is developed. Initially there are more Bifidobacteria than in adults and there is often somewhat less variation in the flora. It is certainly useful to have the gut flora analysed when a baby has gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.