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Intestinal Permeability Markers

Meaning

Intestinal Permeability Markers are specific biochemical substances, typically measured in blood or urine, that serve as quantifiable indicators of the integrity of the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier, often referred to as “leaky gut.” These markers reflect the degree to which the tight junctions between intestinal cells are compromised, allowing the unregulated passage of luminal contents, such as bacterial products and undigested food particles, into the systemic circulation. Clinically relevant markers include zonulin, diamine oxidase, and the differential absorption ratio of specific sugar molecules. Elevated levels of these markers suggest a breach in the barrier, which can trigger systemic inflammation and contribute to autoimmune and hormonal dysregulation.