I recently had the opportunity to develop an immunity product from scratch. The mandatory step as a health scientist was to take a deep dive into the key physiological mechanisms that the product needed address, before wearing my food scientist coat and hitting the labs to work on the sensory (flavour, taste, apperarance, etc) and stability aspects of the product.
There was no way I was going to disregard the crucial link between gut health and immunity in developing the product.
In this article, we’ll explore the gut-immune axis and the key nutrients that you need to ensure in your diet to support it.
Why is the gut important in immunity?
The gut is indeed the first line of defense against pathogens and toxins, and its health is critical to supporting a robust immune system.
A. The gut is an important physical barrier
The gut is like a major port of entry for pathogens – a critical site of contact between our bodies and the outside world.
The lining of the gut consists of cells (called enterocytes) which act as a barrier between the gut and the rest of the body. This barrier is essential for preventing harmful pathogens and toxins from entering the body and triggering an immune response.
However, when the gut lining is damaged or compromised, is not functioning properly, harmful substances can leak into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and compromise the immune system, making it more susceptible to infection and disease. That is why gut health must be maintained at all costs.
B. The gut houses beneficial microorganisms
The gut is home to a vast community of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota.
The gut microbiota plays a critical role in training and regulating the immune system. It helps educate immune cells, ensuring they respond appropriately to harmful pathogens while tolerating beneficial microbes and harmless substances.
The gut microbiota also competes with potential pathogens for resources and produces antimicrobial substances, further supporting immune defense.
C. The gut produces antibodies
The gut is responsible for the production of a significant portion of the body’s immunoglobulins, particularly Immunoglobulin A (IgA).
IgA is a type of antibody that plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity, neutralizing pathogens and toxins in the gut lumen and preventing their attachment and entry into the body.
3 key Supplement ingredients that support gut immunity
- Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid that is essential for gut health. It is the primary fuel source for the cells that line the intestinal tract, helping to maintain the integrity of the gut lining.
Approximately 30-50% of circulating glutamine is utilized by the cells of the small intestine, highlighting the importance of this amino acid in gut health and immunity.
Additionally, glutamine also supports immune function by promoting the growth and function of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages.
Glutamine can be obtained from protein-rich foods and supplements that contain them in free and readily-absorbable form.
2. Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut. By promoting the growth of these bacteria, prebiotics help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
A healthy gut microbiome is essential for immune function, as it helps to regulate the immune response and protect against harmful invaders.
Good prebiotics in supplements include soluble fibres like Fibersol®-2 (a maize-derived probiotic fibre), Nutriose® (a gluten-free wheat derived fibre) and inavea (a soluble fibre derived from the Acacia plant).
Basic mechanisms of action and benefits of prebiotics. SCFA: Short chain fatty acids
3. Glycine
Glycine is an amino acid that plays a key role in gut health. It helps to maintain the integrity of the gut lining as it is an important constituent of collagen.
Glycine also acts as an antioxidant and protects against damage caused by harmful toxins and pathogens. Glycine also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the gut and support immune function.
Glycine is indeed a multi-potent amino acid and that’s the reason why I use it in a numer of formulations, besides immunity.
The gut plays a vital role in supporting immunity, with its impact extending beyond digestion. To enhance gut health and immunity, several supplements have shown promise and incorporating these into a well-rounded approach to gut health can bolster immune defenses and overall well-being.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the manufacturers of Fibersol®-2 , Nutriose® and inavea and I have not received any remuneration for writing this article. The information provided is based on my research and personal experience as a product development scientist and the use of these ingredients, and I am sharing my insights with the intention of providing informative content to readers. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect the views or opinions of Beneo or any other organisation.
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