The Zonulin test measures the levels of zonulin in your body. Zonulin is a protein that helps regulate the permeability of the gut lining. High levels of zonulin can indicate increased permeability of the gut lining, which can lead to a variety of health issues.

Zonulin is a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal permeability, often referred to as the “gatekeeper” of the gut barrier.

Key Characteristics:

• Primarily produced in small intestine cells
• Modulates tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells
• Allows controlled passage of molecules through intestinal lining

Primary Functions:

• Regulates intestinal barrier integrity
• Controls molecular and cellular traffic across intestinal epithelium
• Helps maintain selective permeability of gut lining

Disease Associations:
Elevated zonulin levels are linked to:

• Celiac disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Autoimmune disorders

Potential cancer metastasis Triggers for Zonulin Release:

• Bacterial infections
• Gluten consumption
• Inflammatory responses

Important Considerations:
Recent research suggests caution in using commercial zonulin tests, as current measurement methods may not be entirely reliable for assessing intestinal permeability. Zonulin essentially acts as a molecular switch, controlling what passes through the intestinal barrier and potentially playing a critical role in various health conditions by modulating gut permeability.