: Leaky gut syndrome is a medical condition characterized by intestinal hyperpermeability.
Since the intestinal barrier is one of the essential components maintaining homeostasis along the
gastrointestinal tract, loss of its integrity due to changes in bacterial composition, decreased expression levels of tight junction proteins, and increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines
may lead to intestinal hyperpermeability followed by the development of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal diseases. Translocation of microorganisms and their toxic metabolites beyond the
gastrointestinal tract is one of the fallouts of the leaky gut syndrome. The presence of intestinal
bacteria in sterile tissues and distant organs may cause damage due to chronic inflammation and progression of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, liver cirrhosis, and acute pancreatitis.
Currently, there are no medical guidelines for the treatment or prevention of bacterial translocation in
patients with the leaky gut syndrome; however, several studies suggest that dietary intervention can
improve barrier function and restrict bacteria invasion. This review contains current literature data
concerning the influence of diet, dietary supplements, probiotics, and drugs on intestinal permeability
and bacterial translocation. CLICK TO REVIEW
Keywords: leaky gut syndrome; bacterial translocation; nutrients; probiotics