How Mold Toxins Damage the Gut—and How Larazotide Can Help

Dr. Jen
Jun 24
2 min read

Mold Exposure and the Gut: The Hidden Link

Many people think mold only affects the sinuses or lungs, but one of its most destructive effects is actually on your gut lining. Mold toxins—especially mycotoxins like ochratoxin A, aflatoxins, and trichothecenes—can disrupt the tight junctions between intestinal cells, leading to increased intestinal permeability, or what’s commonly called leaky gut.

Even short-term mold exposure has been shown to:

Alter gut microbiota composition
Increase pro-inflammatory cytokines
Weaken the intestinal barrier
Promote food sensitivities, fatigue, and immune dysfunction

What Is Larazotide?

Larazotide acetate is a synthetic peptide that works by tightening the junctions between intestinal cells, helping to seal the gut lining. It was originally developed for celiac disease, but its mechanism makes it helpful for any condition involving leaky gut—especially mold-related gut permeability.

Benefits of Larazotide for Mold Illness

🔬 Reduces zonulin activity (zonulin is a protein that opens tight junctions)
🛡️ Restores gut barrier function
🤒 May lower inflammatory response to food and environmental triggers
🦠 Improves symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and brain fog in mold-exposed patients

Integrative Protocol Tip:

At Healthy by Dr. Jen, I include larazotide in many mold protocols alongside:

Binders (e.g., charcoal, bentonite clay)
Gut repair nutrients (like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, colostrum)
Microbiome support (probiotics + anti-microbials if needed)
Antioxidants (like NAC and liposomal glutathione)

Where to Find It:

Larazotide is often available via compounding pharmacy or high-quality professional supplement lines. I recommend working with a provider who understands mold detox and gut repair.