Zonulin stool test

Zonulin is a marker of a possible increased permeability of the intestinal epithelial cells and can indicate diseases

If the intestine is poorly colonised, the intestinal flora can only fulfil its physiological tasks to a limited extent. The resulting disruption of the microbial barrier ultimately leads to pathomechanisms that cause latent inflammatory changes in the mucosa and subsequent permeability disorders. This makes it easier for pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites to penetrate mucosal receptors in the context of microecological disorders, multiply more rapidly and trigger infections.

Depending on the species of germ, the microbial metabolism ultimately produces either substrates that are favourable for the intestinal environment or those that are harmful to the system in various ways. A loosening of the tight junctions in the intestinal epithelium leads to increased permeability of the mucosa, which is known as leaky gut. This allows many molecules to pass from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream and cause various reactions.

Endotoxin is of particular importance. This molecule, also known as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), comes from the surface of gram-negative bacteria and acts as an inflammatory marker. A chronic overload of LPS in the blood can lead to so-called "silent inflammation". This constant inflammatory situation can favour further diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes or arteriosclerosis. A direct determination of the LPS concentration in the blood is possible using laboratory diagnostic procedures.

Zonulin, a protein, binds to specific receptors on the intestinal wall epithelial cells. This triggers a series of biochemical processes that lead to an opening of the tight junctions and increased permeability of the intestinal epithelial cells. In patients with active coeliac disease, the levels of zonulin and zonulin antibodies are elevated. In addition, many coeliac disease patients are affected by other autoimmune diseases, such as insulin-dependent diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is assumed that increased zonulin levels are a decisive influencing factor here.

The evaluation forms the basis for a customised therapy, which should only be carried out after consultation with a doctor or therapist.

The test set includes

• 1 instruction for sample collection
• 1 set of instructions for requesting results
• 1 sample receipt
• 1 guarantee certificate
• 1 sample container incl. label in shipping container
• 1 stool catcher
• 1 dispatch bag

How does the ordering process work?

Once you have placed your order, you will be sent the desired test pack with detailed instructions. You put your sample in a sample container, send it in a prepared envelope to Medivere's partner laboratory GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH and receive a report with the evaluation of your profile after 5-7 days.

Only for Germany and Austria

We would like to point out that these tests and the shipping procedures are optimised and pre-paid for Germany and Austria. Orders from further afield are problematic because the perishable biological samples may only be in transit for a limited time (maximum 4 days). Customers from Switzerland or other EU countries can of course try it at their own risk, but if the test fails, we decline any responsibility or reimbursement. You can find more information on this from the manufacturer!