Leaky Gut Syndrome (Increased Intestinal Permeability): definition

An abnormal condition of the small intestinal barrier system whereby the normally tight junctions between surface cells of the lining are weakened, which then allows for harmful entities in the gut, such as gluten, to permeate or get past the cells and into the body. The Leaky Gut Syndrome contributes to the pathophysiology of celiac disease. Click Increased Intestinal Permeability for full description.