<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

>From the News Wires:

<< ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Smokies Diagnostic
Laboratory (GSDL), a private, rapid-growth Functional Medicine Clinical
laboratory, announced today receipt of 510(K) market clearance from the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Intestinal Permeability test kit,
utilizing the lactulose-mannitol challenge drink.  Used in the non-invasive
assessment of intestinal permeability, the test demonstrated its superior
sensitivity as compared to the existing d-xylose test in measuring intestinal
permeability, a measurement used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal
malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease, colitis, Crohn's disease,
and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

 What is intestinal permeability?

 Intestinal permeability refers to impairment of the intestinal mucosal
barrier, which is central to healthy absorption of nutrients and protection
against bacterial and toxin translocation from the gastrointestinal (GI)
tract to the blood stream.  Disturbances in mucosal barrier function can lead
to malnourishment and increased permeability ("leaky gut") which can cause or
contribute to disease conditions throughout the body as diverse as asthma,
arthritis, and food allergies.

 What are gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes?

 Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has not gathered statistics
specifically for malabsorption itself, tens of millions of Americans suffer
from related gut mucosal integrity conditions responsible for enormous
healthcare expense.  Arthritis, for example, strikes over 43 million annually
at a cost of more than $65 million (CDC), while functional gastrointestinal
disorders are responsible for an estimated 2.5 to 3.5 million visits to
doctors every year and some $40 million in medication expenditures
(University of North Carolina Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Center).
The incidence of these health disorders and other intestinal permeability
related- conditions continues to grow at an alarming rate.

 The growing use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which can
irritate the mucosal lining, has contributed significantly to an increase
intestinal permeability worldwide.  Intestinal Permeability Assessment can be
used to monitor treatment of NSAID-related damage to the mucosal barrier and
intestinal permeability-related to other irritants in the GI tract.  An
estimated 20% or more of patients taking NSAIDS develop systematic or
endoscopic gastrointestinal toxicity with incidence increasing among the
elderly, who account for 40-60% of NSAID users (Canadian Medical Association
Journal 1996; 155: 77-88).

 Inflammatory and detoxification disorders, impaired healing following
surgery, failure to thrive, and complications from radiation and chemotherapy
for cancer have all been linked to intestinal permeability.  Recent research
has consistently underscored the value of Intestinal Permeability Assessment
in GI disorders such as Crohn's and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as well as
traumatic care, geriatric interventions, adjunctive AIDS therapy, and
pediatric care, especially in the treatment of allergies and immune disorders.

 GSDL is the first commercial laboratory to offer Intestinal permeability
testing.  Utilizing state-of-the art technology, GSDL has developed a
comprehensive range of functional assessments in the areas of
gastroenterology, endocrinology, cardiology, nutrition/metabolism, and
immunology.  The laboratory conducts aggressive, ongoing research and
development for innovative functional assessments. >>

Chris Woodcock
Wayland, MA