What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Although leaky gut syndrome is not an established diagnosis, there are several research and clinical diagnostic tests that actually measure permeability of the gut wall. Practitioners who most often diagnose leaky gut syndrome usually do not use these and instead rely on symptoms. Probes of intermediate (MW 150-400) molecular size (Cr EDTA, PEG 400, lactulose, mannitol, rhamnose), have been used to measure intestinal permeability by looking at urinary recovery. Changes in gut permeability have been associated with bowel disorders. Another test used by researchers quantitatively assesses the translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules across the gut wall.[5] LPS is a component of the gram-negative bacterial cell wall. Elevated LPS levels have been found in HIV, graft-versus-host disease, inflammatory bowel disease and people who have had gastrointestinal surgery.