Secretory IgA (sIgA)
Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) found in saliva, gastric fluids, plasma and the mucous membranes of the body, provides the main immunological defence of mucosal surfaces against pathogenic invasion. It is thought to be representative of the functional status of the entire mucosal immune system.
Stress has a major impact on the output of sIgA and maintaining a high daily production is essential for an adaptive immune response. It is thought that sIgA may provide a link between gut-related health conditions and systemic illness and is usually associated with altered intestinal permeability.
Investigation of salivary sIgA is recommended in food sensitivity, allergy, atopic conditions such as asthma and eczema, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic infection.
