Food Allergies-How Probiotics Help
The gut epithelium acts as an important barrier between the ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ world, playing an important role in the absorption of nutrients, ions and water, as well as conveying protection from potentially harmful substances such as toxins and pathogens. The integrity of the intestinal barrier depends on a complex of proteins that make up different intercellular junctions, including tight junctions(TJs). Disruption of TJs by pro-inflammatory factors elevates TJ permeability to luminal toxins, allergens and pathogens, and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a number of conditions.
Food intolerance involves an inability to digest food due to a non-immunological cause such as an enzyme deficiency or metabolic disorder, and accounts for 15 to 20% of reactions to foods. This category of adverse food reactions is characterised by an absence of an adaptive immune response mediating symptomatology. However, reactions under this banner still involve a pathological immune component, such as activated mast cells and diminished T regulatory cells (Tregs) activity. Specific strains of probiotics may be used to support the induction of Tregs. This mechanism is paramount to the ability of probiotics to regulate inflammation, maintain a protective barrier against the invasion of pathogens and antigens, and support healthy immunity.
