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Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Immunoglobulins play a crucial role in the body's immune response by binding to specific antigens, or foreign substances, and signalling other immune cells to destroy them.
According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), there are 5 main types of immunoglobulins, each with a specific structure and function. These are:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA): Found in high concentrations in mucosal secretions such as - saliva, tears, breast milk, and the gastrointestinal tract- IgA plays a role in preventing infections at the body's entry points.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD): The exact functions of IgD are not fully understood, and it is the least understood of all the immunoglobulin classes. The main role seems to be in the activation of B cells. When B cells encounter an antigen, they become activated and begin to produce antibodies. IgD is thought to play a role in this activation process by binding to antigens and signalling the B cell to begin producing antibodies.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE): Found on the surface of mast cells and basophils, IgE is involved in allergic reactions and in defending against parasitic infections.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): The most abundant type of antibody in the blood, IgG plays a role in long-term immunity and provides protection against bacterial and viral infections.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): The first type of antibody produced in response to an infection, IgM plays a role in the early stages of the immune response.
Overall, immunoglobulins are critical components of the body's immune system and play a crucial role in protecting against infections and other foreign substances.
TESTING IMMUNOGLOBINS:
An immunoglobulin test measures the levels of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in the blood. These are proteins produced by the immune system to fight off foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
A low level of immunoglobulins in the blood, known as hypogammaglobulinemia, can be a sign of a weakened immune system, which may increase the risk of infections. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications, a genetic disorder, or certain types of cancers.
A high level of immunoglobulins, known as hypergammaglobulinemia, can indicate an overactive immune system, which may be caused by autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or certain types of cancers.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the US, and National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) in South Africa, the normal range of immunoglobulins is as follows:
| National Institute of Health (NIH) | National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) |
|---|---|---|
IgA | 70 - 400 mg/dL | 0.7 - 4 g/L |
IgD | < 0.03 mg/dL | <10 IU/mL |
IgE | < 0.4 mg/dL | up to 100 kU/L |
IgG | 700 - 1,500 mg/dL | 7 - 16 g/L |
IgM | 40 - 230 mg/dL | 0.4 - 2.5 g/L |
It is important to note that the interpretation of immunoglobulin levels should be done in conjunction with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Other tests may also be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
ADDITIONAL TESTING:
If immunoglobulin levels are found to be abnormal, further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause. Additional tests may include:
Blood tests to evaluate for autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, or certain types of cancers.
A bone marrow biopsy to evaluate for certain types of blood cancers or disorders.
Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to evaluate for infections or abnormalities in the lymph nodes or organs.
NATURAL MEDICINE TREATMENTS FOR ABNORMAL IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS:
While conventional medical treatments such as immunoglobulin replacement therapy or immunosuppressive drugs may be necessary for certain conditions, natural medicine approaches may also be helpful in supporting the immune system and improving overall health. These may include:
Diet: A healthy and balanced diet can provide the nutrients necessary to support immune function, such as vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, selenium, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc.), and allium vegetables (like garlic, and onion).
Anti-inflammatory foods, plus if there is any autoimmunity, using an Auto-Immune Protocol (AIP) under the guidance of your health practitioner, can also be very beneficial.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is important for immune function. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with decreased levels of immunoglobulins, including IgA, IgG, and IgM. Supplementation with vitamin D may help to increase immunoglobulin levels in individuals with deficiencies. TEST your levels first!
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to regulate the immune system. Studies have shown that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can increase the levels of IgA and IgM in the body.
Supplements: Certain supplements may be helpful in supporting immune function, such as Probiotics, Vitamin C, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), Olive leaf, Echinacea, Astragalus.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial to the body. They can help to boost the immune system and regulate the production of immunoglobulins. Studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can increase the levels of IgA in the body.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and a healthy diet, can also help to support the immune system and regulate immunoglobulin levels. Exercise has been shown to increase the levels of IgA in the body, while stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness meditation and breathwork, can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can negatively impact immune function.
Herbal remedies: Herbal remedies such as elderberry, liquorice root, and garlic have been traditionally used for immune support and may be beneficial for certain individuals. Other botanical remedies, such as echinacea, astragalus, and ginseng, have immune-enhancing properties and may help to regulate immunoglobulin levels. However, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety for this purpose.
“Oral administration of Ig preparations from human serum as well as bovine colostrum and serum have been tested and proven to be safe as well as effective in human clinical trials for a variety of enteric microbial infections and other conditions which cause diarrhoea.”(13)
There is evidence to suggest that supplementation with cysteine or NAC can promote the formation of disulfide bonds in antibodies, which can improve their stability, binding affinity, and specificity. However, more research is needed to fully understand the optimal dosing and timing of supplementation, and to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings. (14, 15)
It is important to note that natural medicine treatments should always be discussed with all of your healthcare providers. Additionally, some natural remedies may interact with medications or have side effects, so it is important not to self-diagnose and treat, but rather use them under the guidance of a qualified and experienced Naturopath.
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