Zonulin – Leaky Gut Laboratory Test
€ 52,00
“Leaky gut”, or increased intestinal permeability, is an important syndrome. Narrow channels are present between the cells of the intestinal wall. Zonulin has a direct influence on the contraction of the openings of these channels. When damage occurs, zonulin is released into the intestinal contents.
The module ZONULIN – LEAKY GUT determines the concentration in stool of:
- Zonulin
€ 52,00
Description
Zonulin – test for increased intestinal permeability
Would you like to know whether there are indications of increased permeability of the intestinal wall, often referred to as a “leaky gut”? With this stool test, we measure a zonulin-related marker associated with the intestinal barrier. An abnormal result may indicate impaired barrier function, but it does not identify the cause.
The measurement is an indirect marker of the intestinal barrier and not a direct measurement of intestinal permeability.
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When is this test suitable?
Targeted testing of the intestinal barrier in cases of chronic or recurring gastrointestinal complaints.
- You have chronic or recurring gastrointestinal complaints and want targeted testing to determine whether the intestinal barrier may be impaired.
- You are specifically looking for testing for a “leaky gut” or increased intestinal permeability.
- You have already had other tests and want additional insight into the intestinal barrier.
- You want to assess the intestinal barrier first and determine which follow-up tests are appropriate only if the result is abnormal.
This individual test is particularly suitable for a specific question about the intestinal barrier. If you also want to investigate possible causes of your symptoms, broader stool testing is usually more informative.
What do we test?
A zonulin-related marker in stool associated with the intestinal barrier.
Zonulin-related marker
We measure the amount of a zonulin-related marker in your stool.
Reference values
The measured amount is compared with the reference values for the laboratory method used.
Important: research has linked zonulin and related proteins to regulation of the connections between intestinal cells, known as tight junctions. The measurement is an indirect marker of the intestinal barrier and not a direct measurement of intestinal permeability.
What can the result tell you?
The result provides targeted information about one aspect of intestinal function: the intestinal barrier.
A result within the reference values provides no indication in this test of an increased level of the measured marker. An elevated result may be consistent with an impaired intestinal barrier and may be a reason for further testing.
The added value of this individual test is that it gives you targeted information about one aspect of intestinal function. The result can help determine whether more extensive testing is useful.
An elevated value does not identify a cause. Which follow-up tests are appropriate depends on your symptoms, medical history and any previous testing.
Explanation of the value tested
What zonulin and intestinal permeability mean in the context of this test.
Zonulin and intestinal permeability
The intestinal wall forms a selective barrier between the intestinal contents and the rest of the body. Tight junctions connect intestinal cells and help regulate which substances can pass between the cells. Zonulin has been described as a regulator of this barrier function. Increased intestinal permeability is often referred to in everyday language as a “leaky gut”.
This test measures a zonulin-related marker in stool. A higher value may indicate altered intestinal barrier function, but does not establish a diagnosis on its own.
How does the test work?
From collecting the sample at home to the laboratory result.
- You order the Zonulin test and receive the necessary sampling materials with instructions.
- You collect a small amount of stool at home according to the instructions provided.
- You send the sample to the laboratory according to the instructions provided.
- The laboratory determines the concentration of the zonulin-related marker in the stool sample.
- You then receive the laboratory result with the reference values for the method used.
Result and next steps
How you can use the result to determine whether additional testing may be useful.
The report shows the measured value and the reference values for the method used. An elevated value may indicate an impaired intestinal barrier.
If the result is abnormal, depending on your symptoms, additional testing of, for example, gut flora, inflammatory markers, coeliac disease, local immune defence, parasites or digestion may be relevant. A more extensive package can assess several possible explanations at the same time.
Medical assessment remains important. Discuss the result with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional if you have severe, persistent or worsening symptoms or other medical findings. Do not base treatment or a diet solely on this result.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Zonulin test and testing of the intestinal barrier.
An elevated value may indicate an impaired intestinal barrier. However, the test is not a direct measure of intestinal permeability and is therefore considered supplementary information, not stand-alone proof or a diagnosis.
No. The test provides information about the intestinal barrier, but does not determine what caused an abnormality. Your symptoms, medical history and possibly additional tests are needed for that.
For a specific question about the intestinal barrier, the individual test may be an appropriate first step. If the result is abnormal or you want to investigate possible causes straight away, more extensive testing may make more sense.
That depends on your symptoms. Possible follow-up areas include gut flora, inflammatory markers, coeliac disease, local immune defence, parasites and digestion. Not everyone needs all of these tests.
No. The test assesses one laboratory marker and does not measure intestinal permeability directly. A normal result therefore does not completely rule out increased intestinal permeability.
Follow the instructions supplied with the sampling materials and do not change medication on your own initiative. Any special preparation will be stated in the sampling instructions.
Questions about this test?
Contact us if you are unsure whether Zonulin alone provides enough information.
Do you have questions or are you unsure whether Zonulin alone provides enough information? Contact Darmklachten.nl. We will be happy to help you choose between targeted testing of the intestinal barrier and more extensive testing.
Order the Zonulin test
Targeted testing of a zonulin-related marker in stool.
Would you like targeted testing to determine whether there are indications of an impaired intestinal barrier?
You can order the Zonulin test at the top of this page.
