Intestinal Permeability

Also known as:  Intestinal Hyperpermeability;  IP;  Leaky Gut Syndrome;  LGS;  Leaky Intestine;  Leaky Intestine Syndrome

Intestinal Permeability is an ailment of the Digestive System characterized by the inability of the Intestines to prevent the “leakage” of large particles (Antigens) through the Intestinal Wall into general Blood Circulation.

In some cases of Intestinal Permeability whole Bacteria, the toxins produced by Bacteria (endotoxins or Lipopolysaccharides) and other Antigens are able to permeate the Intestinal Wall or Gastric Mucosa and enter the Lymph Glands, Lungs, Liver and other organs where they produce various diverse ailments.  When the Antigen is a Microorganism, this phenomenon is known as Microbial Translocation (when the Microorganism is Bacteria, the phenomenon is known as Bacterial Translocation).

During Intestinal Permeability, the Epithelium of the Villi of the Small Intestine becomes inflamed.

Amino Acids

 Arginine may reduce Intestinal Permeability (due to Arginine’s role in the production of Nitric Oxide).  ^[1]

 Glutamine may prevent and alleviate Intestinal Permeability (by functioning as a “fuel” for the Villi cells of the Intestinal Wall, thereby helping to heal the damaged Intestinal Wall that is an underlying cause of Intestinal Permeability).  ^[2]

 Threonine may help to prevent/treat Intestinal Permeability (due to its role in the production of Mucin in the Small Intestine.  ^[3]

Carbohydrates

 Cellulose may reduce Intestinal Permeability.  ^[4]

 Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) may alleviate Intestinal Permeability.  This occurs from the hydrolyzation and fermentation of FOS by Bifidobacteria to produce Acetic Acid and Lactic Acid.  This Lactic Acid is then further metabolized by other Beneficial Bacteria to form Butyric Acid and Propionic Acid.  This Butyric Acid enhances the function of the Intestinal Wall.  ^[5]

Lipids

 Butyric Acid may reduce Intestinal Permeability (due to Butyric Acids’ role as a nutrient for the growth of the Cells of the Intestinal Wall). 

 Phosphatidylcholine may reduce Intestinal Permeability (it has been demonstrated to reduce bacterial translocation).  ^[6]

Microorganisms

 Bacteria - Beneficial (probiotics) may help to reverse Intestinal Permeability:  ^[7]

 Lactobacillus plantarum may help to reverse Intestinal Permeability.  ^[8]

 Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lactobacillus GG) may help to reverse Intestinal Permeability.  ^[9]

 Saccharomyces boulardii may help to prevent/reverse Intestinal Permeability.  ^[10]

Minerals

 Zinc may help to reverse Intestinal Permeability.  ^[11]

Proteins

 The Villi of the Intestinal Mucosa of the Intestinal Wall of the Small Intestine secrete Mucin which “coats” the Small Intestine and prevents the Cells of the Small Intestine from being digested by Digestive Enzymes.  Mucin also helps to differentiate beneficial and toxic substances in the Small Intestine.  Mucin facilitates the binding of beneficial substances to Receptors in the Small Intestine and also helps to prevent the absorption of toxins from the Small Intestine.  Insufficient production of Mucin or malfunction of Mucin in the Small Intestine may result in Intestinal Permeability.