Immune System & Gut Supporting Supplements Flashcards
Collagen
Collagen is an important building block in various immune system functions. For example, certain endogenous lectins such as collectins (collagen-containing C-type lectins) abundant in liver, lungs, placenta and kidney have been identified to mediate innate host defense against influenza virus infections and prevent secondary infections.
Collectins are a vital part of the innate immune system in the lungs. Collectins are thought to recognize and interact preferentially with carbohydrate structures that are arranged in distinct patterns on the microbial cell surface.
Collectins generally mediate pathogen clearance via complement activation and by aggregating cells together.
Lactoferrin
Many studies have demonstrated the antiviral activity of lactoferrin against viral pathogens that cause common infections.
Lactoferrin consumption may protect the host from viral infections through inhibiting the attachment of a virus to the cells, replication of the virus in the cells and enhancement of systemic immune functions.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the bloodstream. The body is able to synthesize glutamine itself, but glutamine is also needed in the diet, especially in high-activity individuals, chronically stressed, and those with many different medical conditions.
Glutamine is used by various immune system cells and is required to support optimal lymphocyte proliferation and production of cytokines by lymphocytes and macrophages.
Glutamine can help repair leaky gut and hence improve also the immune system function. Getting enough glutamine from the diet or by using a supplement helps protect intestinal epithelial cell tight junctions (preventing intestinal permeability).
