Immunoglobulin supplementation offers immune and gut support
IgG, or Immunoglobulin G, is the most abundant type of antibody, found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections. Just Thrive says they came up with this product to provide extra IgG, since not everyone produces enough of the antibody to fight off infections.
Tina Anderson, CEO of Just Thrive, said "Most people don't realize that 70% of their immune system is in your gut where the battles between good and bad bacteria take place all the time; without the right support, this can take a big toll on your GI system." She went on to say, "Recent technological developments have made gut health a new frontier in wellness. We now know that the gut lining acts as a gatekeeper to the bloodstream, ideally allowing nutrients to pass through while keeping toxins trapped inside."
While immunoglobulin supplements are not a common category on the market, there are some competing products. Practitioner channel specialist Ortho Molecular Products offers IgG Protect, a highly concentrated (40%) IgG formula that provides nutrition for improved immune health. Specifically, the creators say the product provides concentrated immunoglobulins to enhance mucosal immunity, stimulate normal gut repair mechanisms and help maintain microbial balance.
The outlook for the immunoglobulin supplementation market looks positive. According to a report by Zion Market Research, the global immunoglobulin market was valued at approximately $10 billion in 2017 and is expected to generate over $16 billion by 2024, at a CAGR of around 7.6% between 2018 and 2024.
The report cites the increase in autoimmune diseases, steep rise in the cases of neurological disorders, and rising hemophilic patient numbers as likely global market drivers. However, the reports notes that "strict government guidelines related to immunoglobulin products and several side effects of immunoglobulin use might restrict the global immunoglobulin market on a global scale."
Studies back IgG
Many studies point out the use of bovine colostrum to enhance passive immunity to prevent immune challenges, especially when entering through the gastrointestinal tract.
Research has shown that IgG can be effective in neutralizing microorganisms found in the gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum not only includes high quantities of IgG, but also several factors that may benefit the immune system. Other studies have examined the survivability of the immunoglobulin.
“Survival and digestibility of orally-administered immunoglobulin preparations containing IgG through the gastrointestinal tract in humans” supports immunoglobulin supplementation. The report points out that 12 of the 15 human studies in infants, children and adults found that orally-administered Ig (particularly IgGs), from human and bovine serum as well as from bovine colostrum and milk, survive gastric exposure and resist proteolytic digestion in the stomach and intestinal tract.
The study concludes by saying “there is sufficient evidence illustrating that IgGs are less susceptible to digestion throughout the GI tract and therefore may provide for a distinctive nutritional requirement unique to patients with intestinal disorders and diseases which other dietary proteins cannot provide.”
Source:
2015 Mar 7;14:22. doi: 10.1186/s12937-015-0010-7.
"Survival and digestibility of orally-administrated immunoglobulin preparations containing IgG through gastrointestinal tract in humans"
Authors: Jasion VS1, Burnett BP2.
