 Inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, has a complex pathogenesis involving multiple factors, including a disrupted interaction between the gut and intestinal microbiota. A defective mucosal barrier can lead to increased intestinal permeability, exposing luminal content and triggering an immunological response that promotes inflammation. IBD patients often display alterations in various components of the mucosal barrier, which may perpetuate chronic inflammation. Functional tests such as sugar absorption tests or confocal laser in domicroscopy can assess gut barrier integrity. Antituminecrosis factor, TNF, therapy reduces inflammation and restores permeability in IBD patients, while biturate, zinc, and some probiotics also improve mucosal barrier function. However, further studies are needed before considering permeability manipulation as a therapeutic target in IBD.