The small intestine is the body’s major digestive organ. It is here that food molecules (broken down by acid, enzymes, and other digestive secretions) are absorbed so that the nutrients can be used by your cells.

The mucosal lining of this 6-7 m long by 2.5 cm diameter tube performs 2 seemingly opposing functions: to digest and absorb nutrients and yet be a barrier against toxins and large molecules. This can be challenging when the contents of the small intestine are usually food, live and dead bacteria, immune cells and antibodies, toxins and foreign matter.  Any abnormalities in the immune response or composition and/ or abnormalities in the mechanical barrier can lead to the inappropriate uptake of particles that will trigger immune responses (bacteria, proteins, undigested food particles, toxins etc).

Increased gut permeability (aka “leaky gut”) can cause inflammatory conditions (such as Crohn’s  Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and vice versa.)  Other chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, auto-immune disorders, food allergies, Celiac’s disease, skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives) and mood disorders can be associated with a leaky gut.

Opposite to increased gut permeability, but just as problematic, is malabsorption. The small intestine is not able to absorb nutrients properly, leading to malnourishment and failure to thrive. Absorption of nutrients occurs at the surface of the cells through specialized enzymes and receptors. The nutrients must be delivered this way through the cell if it is to be utilized for cellular functions. Thus, if the cell surface is damaged in any way, there is no way for the body to access nutrients.

Increased gut permeability, on the other hand, occurs between the cells. Normally the seal between cells is tight. Nothing is to pass through this route. But if this structure is damaged in any way, molecules cross through and cause an immune response. However the body is not able to actually use any of the substances that enter the blood stream this way.

Therefore it is possible to have a leaky gut, yet have malabsorption.

How can I be sure that I have a leaky gut or malabsorption?

A simple and non-invasive test can determine how well your intestinal mucosa is functioning.  The Intestinal Permeability Test directly measures the function of your intestinal lining and is the definitive test for assessing “leaky gut” or “malabsorption”.

Click here to read more about the Intestinal Permeability Test.