Supporting Intestinal Permeability
Submitted by Integrative Therapeutics
A healthy, well-functioning intestinal mucosa is the body's primary line of defense. Both internal and external factors can challenge the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. For example, the presence of cell mediators and free radicals can directly influence the health of the gut barrier. Under healthy conditions, the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract forms a selectively-permeable membrane that permits the absorption of nutrients from the diet while presenting a barrier against potentially harmful agents. Maintaining optimal structure and function of the intestinal mucosa plays an essential role in supporting overall health and wellness.
Research indicates that nutritional factors may help to support mucosal health and promote normal intestinal permeability, including certain antioxidants and mucosal nutrients. Permeability Factors™ from Integrative Therapeutics™ provides the following wellresearched nutrients, phospholipids, and essential fatty acids that promote healthy gut pH, balanced microflora throughout the GI tract, and appropriate transport of nutrients across the intestinal membranes while preventing the passage of unwanted substances.*
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the principal antioxidant of lipid structures, such as those found in intestinal cell membranes.* As such, vitamin E can help protect cell membranes from oxidative damage.* It has also been shown to increase the concentration of immune cells located in the folds of the small intestine.*1
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that protects the integrity of intestinal mucosa.* It is a conditionally essential amino acid used by the enterocytes, cells found in the small intestines that are involved in nutrient absorption.*2 Multiple well-designed clinical studies have shown that L-glutamine restores healthy gut barrier function and permeability, which can be challenged during natural nutrient breakdown, a process called catabolism.*3-5
N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine (NAG)
N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine (NAG) is a key component in the production of intestinal mucosa.* It is an important building block of the glycoprotein, glycocalyx.* Glycocalyx makes up the intestinal mucosa, which helps protect the intestinal wall from contact with digestive enzymes and acids, while allowing for the selective absorption of nutrients.* Research has shown that supplementation with NAG increases the secretion of this protective mucous.*6
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
Derived from borage seed oil, gamma-linolenic acid is a wellknown omega-6 fatty acid. Due to its ability to enhance the body's natural inflammatory response and its incorporation into cell wall membranes, GLA has been shown to support healthy gut barrier function.*7,8
Gamma-Oryzanol
Gamma-Oryzanol protects GI mucosa by maintaining a healthy acid balance.* It is obtained from rice bran and contains ferulic acid and phytosterols. Ferulic acid is a potent antioxidant, which also supports the body's inflammatory response.* Gammaoryzanol has been shown to support the gastrointestinal tract and reduce symptoms of occasional indigestion.*
Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that strengthens intestinal cell membranes.* Research has shown that supplementation protects and restores healthy gastrointestinal mucosa by strengthening the mucousphospholipid layer.* Because of its unique structure, phosphatidylcholine maintains not only the strength, but also the fluidity of membranes, which is important for healthy nutrient transport.*9
REFERENCES
1. Khan MZ, Akter SH, Islam MN, Karim MR, Islam MR, Kon Y. Anat Histol Embryol. 2008 Feb;37(1):52-9.
2. Fleming T, ed. PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc; 2001: 261-5.
3. Lima NL, Soares AM, Mota RM, Monteiro HS, Guerrant RL, Lima AA. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007 Mar;44(3):365-74.
4. Li Y, Yu Z, Liu F, Tan L, Wu B, Li J. Tumori. 2006 Sep-Oct;92(5):396-401.
5. Lima AA, Brito LF, Ribeiro HB, Martins MC, Lustosa AP, Rocha EM, Lima NL, Monte CM, Guerrant RL. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2005 Jan;40(1):28-35.
6. Deters A, Petereit F, Schmidgall J, Hensel A. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2008 Feb;60(2):197-204.
7. Fleming T, ed. PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc; 2001: 171-4.
8. Kapoor R, Huang YS. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2006 Dec;7(6):531-4.
9. Fleming T, ed. PDR® for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc; 2001: 351-6.,
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
