The study of biomarkers in faecal samples, such as zonulin and calprotectin, has provided critical insights into gut health and immune system activity during early childhood. Zonulin is a regulator of intestinal permeability, while calprotectin is a marker of intestinal inflammation. Monitoring these biomarkers during the first two years of life offers an opportunity to understand how gut health develops in healthy children, shedding light on normal physiological changes and potential early indicators of gastrointestinal disorders. This observational prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of faecal zonulin and calprotectin in healthy children throughout their first two years of life, providing a baseline for normal levels and patterns over time. The first two years of life are marked by rapid changes in a child’s physiology, particularly in the gastrointestinal system. During this period, the gut undergoes significant development, influenced by factors such as diet transitions, microbial colonization, and immune system maturation. Zonulin, a protein linked to the regulation of tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells, plays a key role in maintaining the gut barrier. Its dysregulation can lead to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as "leaky gut," which has been associated with various conditions, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases.
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Pharmacoeconomics: Open Access received 106 citations as per Google Scholar report
