L-Glutamine is
the most abundant amino acid in the body. L-Glutamine is often
used for organ repair and gastrointestinal tract nutritional
support. Glutamine enhances the mass and strength of the intestine’s
protective mucosal lining, reducing altered permeability issues
that can lead to increased allergy and toxemia susceptibility.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)
is a carbohydrate used to make glycosaminoglycans needed for
normal intestinal mucous production.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice
(DGL) like NAG enhances normal mucous production
to establish a healthy protective barrier. It has historically
been used in treatments for indigestion, heartburn, and peptic
ulcers. Licorice is a demulcent, which soothes and coats the
digestive and urinary tracts. It contains flavonoids and chalcones,
two important ingredients that help the digestive tract to heal
and are also potent antioxidants.
Plant Enzymes
assist in the digestive process as it occurs in the brush border
of the small intestine. These enzymes convert carbohydrates
(fruit, vegetable, grain and bean fibers, sugars, milk sugar,
grain sugar) into their final digestive end products thereby
helping to reduce issues of flatulence, bloating and bowel toxemia.
Aloe Leaf Concentrate
has been in use for centuries both topically and orally. It
has remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and bowel-moving
properties. Aloe has the ability to absorb deep into affected
injured tissue and promote repair and structural integrity.
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)
is an organic sulfur compound present naturally in the human
body. MSM is concentrated in connective tissues. In Intestinal
Repair Complex™, MSM is included to promote structural
repair and integrity.
Slippery Elm, Okra, Cat’s
Claw and Marshmallow are mucilaginous herbs
with a long history of use in gastrointestinal complaints. They
act to coat and soothe inflamed injured tissues. Like DGL and
L-Glutamine they enhance normal mucosal secretions, which are
absolutely necessary for healthy structure and function.
Vitamins A, E, Folic Acid and
the mineral Zinc participate in beneficial antioxidant
functions to reduce oxidative stress in the cellular lining
of the gut. In this manner they assist in the overall repair
process. Some of the gut barrier functions, such as Secretory
IgA secretion may be enhanced by beneficial nutrients such as
Vitamins A, E and Folic acid.
Butyric Acid
is a short chain fatty acid produced by the anaerobic bacteria
in the colon through fermentation of fiber and starch. Colonic
epithelial cells use butyric acid as their major fuel source.
As such, butyric acid enhances the regeneration of colonic epithelial
cells and assists in repair of damaged epithelial cells. Butyric
acid levels are often measured in stool analysis as a screen
for risk of colon cancer. Patients with low levels are at higher
risk.
Mucin (Sialic Acid, N-Neuraminic
Acid) is a glycoprotein. Mucins are secreted
by the epithelial cells lining the mucosal lining throughout
the intestine. Their protective function is due to their high
viscosity. They act to coat, protect, entrap antigens and, along
with Secretory IgA, bind and move potential antigenic inflammatory
triggers out of the system.
Quecetin is a
flavonoid antioxidant. It acts to quench oxidative stress, stabilize
colonic mast cells and improve tissue integrity.
Gamma Oryzanol has been shown in studies to have positive anti-inflammatory
properties. This property allows it to assist other compounds
in restoration of normal colonic epithelial health.
References:
1. Hickson R, et al. Glutamine prevents downregulation of myosin
heavy chain synthesis and muscle atrophy from glucocorticoids.
Am J Physiol 1995 Apr;268(4 Pt 1):E730-E734.
2. Klimberg, V. Suzanne, M.D., et al. Prophylactic Glutamine
protects the intestinal mucosa from radiation injury. Cancer
1990, July 1;66(1):62-68.
3. Foitzik T, Stufler M, Hotz HJ, Klinnert J, Wagner J, Warshaw
AL, Schulzke JD, Fromm M, Buhr HJ. Glutamine stabilizes intestinal
permeability and reduces pancreatic infection in acute experimental
pancreatitis. J Gastrointest Surg. 1997;1(1):40-47.
4. Noyer CM, Simon D, Borczuk A, Brandt LJ, Lee MJ, Nehra V.
A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of glutamine therapy
for abnormal intestinal permeability in patients with AIDS.
Am J Gastroenterol 1998;93(6):972-5.
5. Herschler RJ. Dietary and pharmaceutical uses of methylsulfonylmethane
and compositions comprising it. United States Patent 4,514,421:April
30, 1985.
6. Hutter JA et al., Anti-inflammatory C-glucosyl chromone from
Aloe barbadensis. In: JNP 59(5):541-543, 1996.
7. PDR for Herbal Medicines 1st Ed., Medical Economics Co.,
Montvale, New Jersey, 1998.
8. Werbach MR, Murray, MT. Botanical Influences on Illness:
A sourcebook of clinical research. Third Line Press, Tarzana,
California, 1994.
9. Lipski E. Digestive wellness. New Canaan, CT: Keats, 1996:
200-03.
10. PDR for Nutritional Supplements 1st Ed., Medical Economics
Co., Montvale, New Jersey, 2001.
