What are immunoglobulins?

Immunoglobulins are glycoproteins produced by plasma cells as part of the body’s humoral immune system. They are also known as antibodies and they circulate in the bloodstream binding to antigens such as bacteria, toxins, fungi, viruses, and microbial metabolites. Immunoglobulins constitute about 20% of plasma proteins and facilitate the elimination of antigens within the gut lumen to be excreted through the stool. Immunoglobulins may also help promote healthy immune and inflammatory responses and support the gastrointestinal barrier integrity.

Why serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin?

SBI is a protein preparation designed for oral administration to help support intestinal health. It is derived from bovine plasma in which the immunoglobulin content has been increased from about 13% of the protein in liquid plasma to a formulation where IgG makes up more than 50% of the total protein content. Similarly, the immunoglobulins IgA and IgM have been increased to about 1% and 5% of the total protein content, respectively, bringing the total immunoglobulin content of SBI to about 60%. 

SBI is a dairy-free alternative to colostrum, which may be considered as another source of immunoglobulins. SBI would be a superior supplement for people avoiding dairy due to allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance; for example, those with lactose intolerance, since colostrum contains lactose, which may be poorly tolerated and contribute to GI distress. In addition, the immunoglobulin composition of SBI may be more stable and predictable than that of colostrum, due to the rigorous isolation, purification, and filtration methods implemented in its production. Finally, SBI provides clinically relevant amounts of immunoglobulins and may contain lower levels of potential endotoxin contamination as compared to colostrum. 

GI microbial dysbiosis may lead to an excessive release of lipopolysaccharides, which are immunostimulatory endotoxins produced by gram-negative bacteria. LPS excess may contribute to chronic inflammation, GI microbial dysbiosis, and intestinal barrier dysfunction, which could disrupt nutrient absorption and increase antigen exposure, immune activation, and intestinal inflammation.

The immunoglobulins found in the SBI concentrate, such as IgG, IgA, and IgM have been shown to have the potential to bind to LPS and other common intestinal antigens, which may have been introduced through food and drink intake or microbial activity. SBI-bound antigens become larger molecules, making them more difficult to pass through the intestinal barrier, get absorbed into systemic circulation, and generate an immune response. By binding to certain toxins and microbial antigens in the GI lumen, SBI immunoglobulins may support the body’s normal clearance processes, healthy intestinal permeability and immune responses, intestinal barrier integrity, and healthy GI function.

How does SBI fit in the 5R program?

The 5R program is a functional medicine framework supporting GI health and restoration. It consists of the following 5 phases: Remove, Replace, Replenish, Revive, and Rebalance. The goal of the Remove phase is to attenuate the sources of inflammation in the GI tract, such as pathogens, toxins, and inflammatory foods. By having the potential to bind to these antigens and facilitate their evacuation, SBI could support the Remove phase and promote immune health and normal inflammatory responses. The goal of the Revive phase of the 5R program is to promote GI integrity by supporting the gut barrier and the mucosal function. By binding to bacterial antigens in the intestinal lumen, SBI immunoglobulins may support a healthy GI barrier function, normal digestion and nutrient absorption, and a healthy GI microbial environment. 

Learn more about immunoglobulins and gut health: 

Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function

Colostrum and Its Potential to Support Athletic Performance

Recent Study Uncovers Mechanistic Link Between Poor Diet and Impaired Innate Immunity Within the Gut

By Antonia Toupet, PhD