Zonulin Family Protein (stool)
Doctor's Data
Sample type: Stool
Requires fasting: No
At home test
Details
Elevated fecal levels of a zonulin family protein (ZFP) have been associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity; conditions that have been linked to increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"). Elevated serum levels of the ZFP antigen have been correlated with results from the established lactulose mannitol test. Definitive research has yet to be published regarding a correlation between fecal ZFP levels and the results of the lactulose mannitol test.
- Zonulin
Estimated days for results: Results should arrive 4 to 6 days after the lab receives samples.
Elevated fecal levels of ZFP have been associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and apparently healthy cigarette smokers. High serum levels of ZFP (antigen) are correlated with abnormal results of the Lactulose Mannitol test; the long-accepted standard for intestinal permeability, but to date no such correlation has been reported with fecal ZFP.
Excessive intake of simple sugars, sodium, emulsifiers, microbial transglutaminase (food additive) and nano-particles may also be triggers for increased fecal ZFP and intestinal permeability. Possible interventions to restore the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier include dietary changes, treatment of dysbiosis, digestive supports and anti-inflammatory supplements; specifically quercetin, vitamin C, curcumin, gamma-linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), and aloe vera.
Other nutrients such as zinc, beta-carotene, pantothenic acid, and L-glutamine may provide some support for rejuvenation of the mucosal barrier. The use of some probiotics has been shown to reduce serum and fecal zonulin levels, and inulin (about 10 grams per day) lowered serum zonulin after just five days in healthy young subjects. Consider a Comprehensive Stool Analysis to further investigate potential causes of increased intestinal permeability.
Useful for:
Excessive intake of simple sugars, sodium, emulsifiers, microbial transglutaminase (food additive) and nano-particles may also be triggers for increased fecal ZFP and intestinal permeability. Possible interventions to restore the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier include dietary changes, treatment of dysbiosis, digestive supports and anti-inflammatory supplements; specifically quercetin, vitamin C, curcumin, gamma-linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), and aloe vera.
Other nutrients such as zinc, beta-carotene, pantothenic acid, and L-glutamine may provide some support for rejuvenation of the mucosal barrier. The use of some probiotics has been shown to reduce serum and fecal zonulin levels, and inulin (about 10 grams per day) lowered serum zonulin after just five days in healthy young subjects. Consider a Comprehensive Stool Analysis to further investigate potential causes of increased intestinal permeability.
Useful for:
- Celiac disease
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- Type I diabetes
- Juvenile nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Asthma
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Adult glucose intolerance
4–6 business days
- Add-on: Beta-glucuronidase
- Add-on: Calprotectin
- Add-on: Elastase
- Add-on: H. Pylori Antigen
- Add-on: Lactoferrin
- Add-on: Lysozyme
- Add-on: Secretory IgA
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, antacids, and aspirin
for two days prior to and during the specimen collection, unless otherwise
instructed by your physician.
Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.
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, antacids, and aspirin
for two days prior to and during the specimen collection, unless otherwise
instructed by your physician.
Never discontinue prescription medications without first consulting your physician.
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
