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Lactulose/mannitol Test For Leaky Gut

Scott Bonner

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Scott Bonner Newbie
Scott Bonner
Posted

Hi, everyone. I'm brand new to the forum. I have a question for you. (I've searched the forums for a topic that might already have answers to my question, but could not find one.)

Have any of you had a lactulose/mannitol test to determine whether or not you have a leaky gut? I just got the results back from my test, and it's pretty scary. The percentage of lactulose recovered in my urine was 2.45. That's much higher than normal. The percentage of mannitol recovered was 26, which is also quite high. The lactulose/mannitol ratio was .09, again fairly high.

I'm just curious if any of you have had this test done and, if so, how your results compare to mine.

I have not (yet) been diagnosed with celiac disease, but I am almost certain I have it. After elminating gluten (and casein) from my diet 10 months ago, my depression/anxiety cleared up completely. It was amazing. I've been on the paleo diet (lean meat, fresh fruit and vegetables) ever since, and haven't had any problems. Except for eczema and shortness of breath after eating citrus fruits and tree nuts -- and so I've elminated them as well.

I've asked my doctor (a family practitioner) if he can find another lab that will perform this same test. I just want to confirm the results. If confirmed, I guess I'll start looking for ways to heal the gut -- I've heard glutamine, fish oil, and acidophilus are all helpful. Any other treatments you've heard of?

Thanks much!

Scott

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dlp252 Apprentice
dlp252
Posted

Hi Scott, just wanted to welcome you to the boards. I have not had that test but it seems like something I should look into.

Claire Collaborator
Claire
Posted

I had the test several years ago. I will be having a new test in a couple of weeks.

Glutamine is said to be the best 'gut' healer. It worked for me but I am no longer allowed to take it so I will probably have problems again. Claire

Scott Bonner Newbie
Scott Bonner
Posted
  • Author
I had the test several years ago. I will be having a new test in a couple of weeks.

Glutamine is said to be the best 'gut' healer. It worked for me but I am no longer allowed to take it so I will probably have problems again. Claire

Claire, do you mind if I ask why you're no longer able to take it? Did you develop some type of allergy to it?

Thanks,

Scott

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

I have heard of the test, seems like it is growing in popularity for its ability to measure intestinal effects in individuals w/o classic biopsy or w/o being invasive...

Judyin Philly Enthusiast
Judyin Philly
Posted
Have any of you had a lactulose/mannitol test to determine whether or not you have a leaky gut? I just got the results back from my test, and it's pretty scary. The percentage of lactulose recovered in my urine was 2.45. That's much higher than normal. The percentage of mannitol recovered was 26, which is also quite high. The lactulose/mannitol ratio was .09, again fairly high.Scott

Welcome Scott-

I'm pretty new also 6 months gluten-free and now trouble with dairy and my chiropractor thinks I have leaky gut. still trying to wrap my head around what that is...I'm embarrased to say I don't know what mannitol is??

Can you help me here so I don't have to do a search?

Does the dr have to order the test?

I feel that acidophilus is so helpful for me been taking it for many years.

Thanks much!

Judy in Philly

Claire Collaborator
Claire
Posted

Hope the following will be of help:

Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome / Intestinal Permeability

• Chronic stress

• Intestinal infections

• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth

• Environmental contaminants

• Excess alcohol

• Poor diet

• NSAIDS and other medications

Testing

The standard test for leaky gut syndrome is the mannitol and lactulose test. Both are water soluble molecules that the body can't use. Mannitol is easily absorbed by people with healthy intestinal linings. Lactulose is a larger molecule and is only slightly absorbed. A person drinks a solution contain both mannitol and lactulose. Urine is collected for six hours and the amount present in urine reflects how much was absorbed by the body. A healthy test shows high levels of mannitol and low levels of lactulose. If high levels of both molecules are found, it indicates a leaky gut condition. If low levels of both molecules are found, it indicates general malabsorption of all nutrients.

Source Open Original Shared Link

This article fails to mention Celiac -i.e. gluten - as a cause of LGS. Big omission!

As you can see here - this test also will show malabsorption - probably more accurately than some of the lab tests do.

A GI specialist can order the test. Some GPs will also - if they happen to know what it is.

Scott: to answer your question: I stopped taking L-glutamine because the glutamates are iffy for people with neurological problems - specifically cerebellar damage. As I have cerebellar ataxia this product was discontinued. In cases of cerebellar damage it is uncertain whether the brain will or will not process glutatmates properly. I am being on the safe side. Claire

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jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Read this all--got this article in the newsletter about this mannitol test, good summary: https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodid=52

Judyin Philly Enthusiast
Judyin Philly
Posted

Thanks so very much Claire and Jen

Judy in Philly :)

  • 8 years later...
mjunewicz Newbie
mjunewicz
Posted

Where can I have the lactulose/mannitol test for leaky gut syndrome performed? I'm in Akron, Ohio, but willing to travel if necessary. My physician told me any gastroenterologist could order this test, then her staff referred me to a gastroenterologist who didn't know this test existed.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Where can I have the lactulose/mannitol test for leaky gut syndrome performed? I'm in Akron, Ohio, but willing to travel if necessary. My physician told me any gastroenterologist could order this test, then her staff referred me to a gastroenterologist who didn't know this test existed.

Just an FYI - this thread is from 2006. I don't think any of these members have been on in a few years.

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