From the Research
A zonulin panel is a blood test that measures levels of zonulin, a protein that regulates intestinal permeability by controlling the tight junctions between cells in the intestinal lining, and its use is supported by recent studies such as 1 that show elevated zonulin levels in various diseases, including IgA nephropathy and IgA vasculitis with nephritis.
What is a Zonulin Panel?
A zonulin panel is used to assess "leaky gut syndrome," a condition where the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable than normal, potentially allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream.
Key Points About the Zonulin Panel
- The panel typically requires a blood sample drawn from a vein, and results are usually available within a few days to a week.
- Normal zonulin levels vary by laboratory, but elevated levels may indicate increased intestinal permeability.
- This test is particularly relevant for patients with suspected food sensitivities, autoimmune conditions (especially celiac disease), inflammatory bowel diseases, or chronic digestive symptoms.
- Zonulin is produced in response to certain triggers including specific bacteria and gluten exposure, and its elevation can precede the development of autoimmune conditions in genetically susceptible individuals.
Clinical Use of the Zonulin Panel
While not yet considered a standard diagnostic tool in all medical practices, the zonulin panel is increasingly used by functional and integrative medicine practitioners to guide treatment approaches for gut health, as seen in studies such as 2 and 3 that discuss the relationship between zonulin levels and intestinal permeability in various conditions.
Important Considerations
- The accuracy of zonulin tests can be affected by the specificity of the testing kit, as highlighted in 2, which found that the Cusabio zonulin kit may not accurately target zonulin.
- Recent studies, such as 1, support the use of zonulin as a marker of intestinal permeability in various diseases, making it a valuable tool in clinical practice.