Stool Chemistries

Doctor's Data

Sample type: Stool

Requires fasting: No

At home test

Details

The Stool Chemistry test can provide important information regarding the efficiency of digestion and absorption can be gleaned from the measurement of the fecal levels of elastase (pancreatic exocrine sufficiency), fat, muscle and vegetable fibers, and carbohydrates. Inflammation can significantly increase intestinal permeability and compromise assimilation of nutrients. The extent of inflammation, whether caused by pathogens or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be assessed and monitored by examination of the levels of biomarkers such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucus. These markers can be used to differentiate between inflammation associated with potentially life-threatening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which requires lifelong treatment, and less severe inflammation that can be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is frequently due to the presence of enteroinvasive pathogens. Lactoferrin is only markedly elevated prior to and during the active phases of IBD, but not with IBS. Monitoring fecal lactoferrin levels in patients with IBD can therefore facilitate timely treatment of IBD, and the test can be ordered separately. Since the vast majority of secretory IgA (sIgA) is normally present in the GI tract, where it prevents binding of pathogens and antigens to the mucosal membrane, it is essential to know the status of sIgA in the gut. sIgA is the only bona fide marker of humoral immune status in the GI tract.

Biomarker summary

Butyrate
Pancreatic Elastase 1
Red Blood Cells, Stool
White Blood Cells, Stool
Secretory IgA
Lactoferrin, Stool [Mass/Volume]
Lysozyme
Acetate
Carbohydrates
Propionate
Valerate
Muscle fibers
Mucus
Vegetable fibers
Total Short-Chain Fatty Acids
Calprotectin, Stool
Occult Blood, Stool
pH, Stool

Additional details

Estimated days for results: Results should arrive 6 to 8 days after the lab receives samples.

Cornerstones of good health include proper digestion of food, assimilation of nutrients, exclusion of pathogens and timely elimination of waste. To obtain benefits from food that is consumed, nutrients must be appropriately digested and then efficiently absorbed into portal circulation. Microbes, larger-sized particles of fiber, and undigested foodstuffs should remain within the intestinal lumen. Poor digestion and malabsorption of vital nutrients can contribute to degenerative diseases, compromised immune status and nutritional deficiencies. Impairment of the highly specific nutrient uptake processes, or compromised GI barrier function, as in "leaky gut syndrome," can result from a number of causes including:

Low gastric acid production
Chronic maldigestion
Food allergen impact on bowel absorptive surfaces
Bacterial overgrowth or imbalances (dysbiosis)
Pathogenic bacteria, yeast or parasites and related toxic irritants
The use of NSAIDs and antibiotics

Impairment of intestinal functions can contribute to the development of food allergies, systemic illnesses, autoimmune disease, and toxic overload from substances that are usually kept in the confines of the bowel for elimination. Efficient remediation of GI dysfunctions incorporates a comprehensive guided approach that should include consideration of elimination of pathogens and exposure to irritants, supplementation of hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and pre- and probiotics, and repair of the mucosal barrier.

Average sample processing time

6–8 business days

Sample report

View here

Health categories

Gastrointestinal

Add-ons

Add-on: Beta-glucuronidase
Add-on: Comprehensive Clostridium Culture
Add-on: H. Pylori Antigen
Add-on: Zonulin Family Protein

Patient instructions

Please read all of the directions, and familiarize yourself with the collection
procedures.

If you are taking antifungal or antibiotic medications, please
finish the course of medication, and then wait three days before starting this
collection. Please refrain from taking digestive enzymes, laxatives (particularly mineral oil and castor oil) antacids, aspirin, and substances containing barium and/or bismuth for two days prior to and during the specimen collection, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Refrain from taking probiotic supplements for two weeks prior to specimen collection unless instructed otherwise by your physician. To properly assess fat absorption, be sure to consume normal amounts of dietary fat.

Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.

Patient restrictions