Gut Health

The largest of the mucosal surfaces is the intestinal tract and the second largest is the lungs. Immune cells located in the digestive tract produce tremendous quantities, approximately 5 grams per day, of immunoglobulin in the form of secretory IgA (sIgA). The function of sIgA is to both prevent and resolve infections that might arise from any pathogenic organisms (bacteria, viruses and others) and toxins normally found in the gut. The GI tract and its mucosal surfaces are a constant battleground and overall wellness is a result of how well a person’s immune system can fight each and every battle. Immunoglobulin is important to winning these battles.

When considering the impact of oral supplementation of immunoglobulin on overall health, it is important to note that most orally ingested antibodies are not absorbed into the blood stream but remain in the intestinal tract. So then how does a product that works only in our gut help to prevent the rest of our body from getting sick?

The Immune system’s response to disease and infections in the GI tract is directly connected to the corresponding response in the lungs and other mucosal membranes through complex interactions between cells and cytokines. Supplemental immunoglobulins first act in the intestinal tract to eliminate or inhibit the proliferation of disease causing organisms and toxins. It is this action against invading antigens in the bowel that creates the link between the gut and the rest of the body. The inhibition of the growth of opportunistic organisms or the absorption of toxins by the bowel reduces the stimulation of the immune system. Thus, the body’s resources, particularly amino acids, which would normally be directed towards those challenges, can be redirected to other “battles” in other parts of the body. Supplementation with immunoglobulins reduces the demand in the gut for naturally produced antibodies. Since the body’s resources are finite, conservation of immune resources in the gut allows more resources to be available wherever else they may be needed.