by Susan J Hewlings PhD, RD
Recent research suggests that that the typical ‘Western’ diet consisting of a high fat, high sugar, low fiber intake, has altered the diversity of the human gut microbiome leading to dysbiosis (₁). Dysbiosis is defined as a shift in the microbiota composition resulting in an increase in the number of beneficial microbes accompanied by a decrease of harmful microbes in the intestinal tract (₂). Diet induced dysbiosis is thought to contribute to many diseases including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, inflammatory conditions, neurological pathologies and psychiatric disorders (₁,₃). These changes not only occur over the long-term intake of such a diet, but can occur in a single day (₁). Because of the increased awareness of dysbiosis and its negative effects, there has been increased consumer demand for pro and pre biotics in the dietary supplement, nutraceutical and dietary ingredient markets. It has been suggested that probiotics may play a role in correcting the dysbiosis. However, they are strain specific and since dysbiosis can present differently in each person they may not always address the imbalance(₂). Prebiotics may offer an alternative or symbiotic benefit to probiotics as they have been used to stimulate beneficial bacteria to help to restore balance. In contrast to the probiotic action, which provides living microorganisms, prebiotics stimulate the activity of healthful bacteria (₄). A prebiotic is defined as “a selectively fermented dietary ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thus conferring benefit(s) upon host health” (₂).
IgY Max™ can be considered as a prebiotic in the sense that it changes the composition and activity of the microbiome. Trillions of intestinal microorganisms comprise our intestinal microbiome, where they serve to aid in digestion, supply important nutrients and vitamins, and provide immune function. (ref14 in white paper) When unwelcome bacteria are present, the space for good bacteria is limited. (ref 15 in white paper) Think of a garden overrun with weeds. Just like the weeds, pathogens leave no room for beneficial flora to grow, taking up vital nutrients needed to survive. IgY antibodies contained in IgY Max™ help the body eliminate only the harmful bacteria and leave the good microbes intact.
IgY antibodies are antibodies from chicken eggs. They work by significantly reducing harmful bacterial adhesion and growth in the GI tract (₉) and helping to decrease inflammation by decreasing cytokines (₆) and HSCRP (₁₀). IgY antibodies offer several advantages over mammalian IgG antibodies: they have a 3 to 5 times higher immunogenicity, they do not increase inflammatory cytokines, and they have a 20 times higher immunoglobulin concentration per unit. Moreover, IgY antibodies have a highly specific rapid and local onset of action and are non-toxic (₅,₆); and they do not stimulate the human complement system thus preventing non-specific inflammation. Antigen-specific IgY products have been shown to be effective in promoting gut function and immunity in humans (₇), as well as in reducing the side effects of dysbiosis (₈).
IgY Max™ is a polyvalent antigen specific IgY product targeting 26 of the most common human-relevant pathogens. Other IgY products only target one pathogen and therefore are monovalent. IgY Max™ is a unique digestive and immune function ingredient that promotes GI health by increasing gut wall integrity (ref 2 in flyer), improving bowel function (ref 6 & 9 in flyer) and reducing non-beneficial bacteria adherence. (ref 9 in flyer), and in doing so functions as a prebiotic. However, its level of action is deeper than a regular prebiotic: it supports the digestive tract lining, promotes proper microbial adhesion, supports immune system health, supports the body’s natural defenses and promotes proper cytokine balance. Moreover IgY Max™ is able to exert its activity within the entire length of the GI tract. Due to its mechanism of action IgY Max™ is an effective tool to address issues caused by dysbiosis.
IgY Max™ is a safe and viable option for anyone who wants to maintain and improve total GI function. Made from whole egg that has been spray dried but otherwise unaltered (₆), IgY Max™ is GRAS (self-affirmed) and holds a Master Food Additive file number. IgY Max™ as a stand-alone product is NSF® Certified for Sport™. Available exclusively from IgY Nutrition™, IgY Max™ is a unique dietary supplement that provides optimal digestive function through the power of IgY and passive immune technology.
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