When Probiotics May Not Be Enough
How immunoglobulins work
- Our immune system depends on health at the gut level where 80% of all disease begins.
- In the gut, immunoglobulins are released into the lumen to neutralize viruses, bacteria, and food-based and environmental antigens.
- This, in turn, prevents and resolves infections from pathogenic organisms.
- Oral supplementation of immunoglobulins provides passive immune support.
Mechanism of action
IgY targets 26 human pathogens commonly found in the gut. Reduced competition allows beneficial strains to flourish. A healthy, balanced microbiome in the gut also lowers the body burden and positively impacts extraintestinal health.
IgY antibodies neutralize:
- Escherichia coli
- Escherichia coli (aerobacter)
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Staphylococcus simulans
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Streptococcus mitis
- Streptococcus mutans
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 1
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 3
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 5
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 8
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 12
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 14
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 18
- Streptococcus pyogenes, type 22
- Streptococcus salivarius
- Streptococcus sanguis
- Salmonella enteritidis
- Salmonella typhimurium
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Propionibacterium acnes
- Proteus vulgaris
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Shigella dysenteriae
IgY significantly reduced bacterial adhesion and growth in the GI tract
Chalgoumi Study: In Vitro Study of Bacterial Adhesion
[1]1. Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2009 Jun;6(5):593-604.
Reduced mucosal immune homeostasis
When probiotics may not be enough
Case Studies
Six subjects with mild-tomoderate GI complaints took two 500 mg capsules of IgY 2x/d for 8 weeks. Stool analyses and biomarkers were assessed. Subjects reported “decreased gas and bloating” and “feeling more energy.” The beneficial effects of IgY related to flora and biomarkers are shown in these graphs. [2]
2. https://www.igynutrition.com/burdetteIgY increased beneficial flora
IgY reduced zonulin
IgY increased diamine oxidase (DAO)
DAO is a histamine-degrading enzyme
J Clin Invest. 1980 July;66(1):66–70. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1185-1196.
J Clin Invest. 1980 July;66(1):66–70. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1185-1196.
IgY promotes balanced cytokine production
Derived from Dr. Laura Miles’ pilot study
Advantages of IgY
- 20x higher immunoglobulin concentrations per unit
- 3-5x higher immunogenicity
- Does not bind to increase inflammatory cytokines [3]
3. Nutrition Journal. 2015;14:109.
What are the benefits of bioactive immunoglobulins?
Adapted from igY HIE PL-100 Breakthrough Scientific Report and Physiol Rev. 2011 Jan;91(1):151-75.
Q: If my patient shows a sensitivity or an allergy to egg, can they take egg-based immunoglobulins?
A: If eating egg causes anaphylaxis or rashes, egg-based immunoglobulins should not be used. Patients with egg sensitivity should consult their practitioner.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that 2% of children are allergic to eggs, but this number is reduced by 70% by the age of 16. This translates to an incidence of less than 1% of the adult population being allergic to eggs. [4]
4. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/egg-allergy Caubet JC, Wang J. Current understanding of egg allergy. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2011 April 1; 58(2): 427–443. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2011.02.014 http://farrp.unl.edu/resources/gi-fas/prevalence-of-food-allergies
CASE STUDY DISCLAIMER: Case studies represent results of one participant. The reader should weigh these results with other scientific data and should not expect the same results as those found in the case studies alone.