Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is an important immune protein found in mucous secretions, including those in the gastrointestinal tract.  One of the most common problems seen with people who have GI problems, re-occurring parasitic infections, SIBO, Candida, Yeast, or autoimmune problems is either elevated or depressed SIgA levels. In today’s article, I will explain, Why sIgA testing is important, What it means if you have low sIgA, What it means if you have High sIgA, and the best supplements to use when tackling high or Low SIgA levels.

So What Is Secretory IgA (sIgA)?

The immune system makes T cells and it makes B cells. B cells produce SIgA which acts as the first line of defense against the entry of foreign substances into the body. These foreign substances could be undigested proteins from foods you eat,  bacteria, viruses, parasites, or molds. SIgA gives us insight into mucosal tolerance.

If you think about it, the body’s mucosal surfaces- the eyes, ears, nose, throat, sinuses, skin, vaginal tract, urinary tract, and GI tract are all entry points for various disease-causing pathogens.

Your body’s way of protecting these entry points is done with the release of SIgA. SIgA attaches itself to invading bugs and once attached it can trap the invader in the mucosal surfaces and from here neutralize the threat.

So perhaps you had some testing done and your levels were Low- what exactly does that mean?

Normal Secretory IgA Levels (sIgA)

Normal Levels- Indicate a well-functioning immune response and a healthy mucosal barrier. Reflect a balanced interaction between the immune system and the gut microbiota.

Low Secretory IgA Levels (sIgA)- Here’s What They Indicate

Low/reduced sIgA levels are by and large commonly seen in individuals with low immune system function and adrenal fatigue or exhaustion. Individuals with allergies, atopic diseases like eczema, psoriasis, asthma, chronic gut infections, Candida, food sensitivities, prolonged exposure to toxins, and autism typically have low SIgA.

I look at low sIgA levels as a sign of chronic stress in the body that has drained the immune system. A person with Low Levels of sIgA may have trouble overcoming gut problems or skin conditions, allergies, and sensitivities until SIgA levels are corrected. Certain medications can lower levels – including anti-inflammatories, and antidepressants. Low Secretory IgA Levels are seen in conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and celiac disease.

It is important to understand that sIgA test doesn’t tell us the cause of the problem, it only provides clues that further investigation is needed. This is why you will need to work with a functional medicine doctor who can begin to investigate the causes behind the low sIgA.

High Secretory IgA (sIgA) Levels- Here’s What They Indicate

When I see High levels of SIgA I start thinking that we have an activated immune response to some sort of infection, stressor, or acute inflammatory response. This could be an infection, this could be toxins released into the body by gram Negative Bacteria such as LPS toxins-(which by the way are the same toxins that cause Leaky gut)

The high SIgA could also indicate a viral infection such as (Epstein Barr Virus or Cytomegalo Virus) or some other kind of infection. Stool testing and blood testing can be helpful here. Inflammatory Bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s, Ulcerative colitis, Autoimmune IBS, or some sort of inflammatory response in the gut that has flared up.

5 Factors That Affect Your sIgA Levels

1. Diet: Nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and inadequate fiber intake can impact sIgA production.
2. Stress: Chronic stress can lower sIgA levels by impacting immune function and the gut-brain axis.
3. Medications: Certain medications like antibiotics, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressants may alter sIgA levels.
4. Gut Infections: Both bacterial and viral infections can modulate sIgA levels as the immune system responds.
5. Microbiome Health: Dysbiosis or imbalances in the gut microbiota can impact sIgA production and function.

How To Fix Problems with SIgA

The first step to balance SIgA naturally is to use an anti-inflammatory diet. The most common food allergens need to be eliminated. I run a food sensitivity panel on my patients so that we are not guessing about foods to eliminate. But if you don’t test then you want to eliminate all grains (Wheat, Rye, Oats, Corn, Milk, Soy, Eggs) high-sugar fruits, and shrimp.

Bone broth can be extremely effective at helping the gut because of the impact it can have on Glutathione levels as well as because of all the great amino acids that help to reseal and boost SIgA levels. But exercise caution if you have histamine intolerance.

It is important to provide the gut and the immune system with the key nutrients they need such as vitamin C, zinc, Vitamin A, selenium, glutamine, choline, glycine, glutathione, and essential fatty acids among other things. Don’t forget to retest in 4-6 months. This period can show if you are making some headway and your condition is starting to improve.

Ways To Naturally Raise Your SIgA levels

Always think about the ROOT cause- this varies from person to person- I often think of gut problems, adrenal problems, food sensitivities, parasites, daily stressors in a patient’s life, sleep and wake cycles, and finally vitamin deficiencies- work with a doctor who understands the BIG picture- a doctor who focuses is Functional Medicine There are a few things that boost Secretory IgA levels naturally. Colostrum is an immunoglobulin that is secreted from a mom’s breast in the early stages of breastfeeding.

Colostrum is loaded with antibodies that support both High and Low sIgA levels. Fermented dairy from 100% grass-fed cows is loaded with acidophilus, bacillus, and saccharomyces boulardii species of probiotics that all help to stimulate SIgA levels. Beta-glucans can activate the immune system. S.boulardi is another favorite -They help boost the production of sIgA.

One of my favorite Colostrum supplements is IgG Protect- not only does it contain 5 grams of Colostrum and 2 grams of IgG, but it also contains 25mg of Lactoferrin. For those seeking a non-dairy-based option, I recommend SBI protect.

How Spore Forming/ Soil-based Probiotics Help Your Gut

In the research I have done, I’ve found these spore-forming soil-based probiotics impart numerous benefits.

Benefits of Bacillus Coagulans (B. Coagulans):

1. Helps the good bacteria successfully colonize in your gut
2. Potent immune stimulator
3. Reduces oxidative stress in the gut mucosa and has
4. Long history of studied use in IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis
5. Reduces bloating and intestinal gas-

Remember prolonged bloating keeps the IC valve open and this allows for bacteria in large intestines to migrate into the small intestines. Bacillus coagulans along with lacto and bifido species produce lactic acid, which has been shown to help protect the gut and boost immune resistance to viruses. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Bacillus Subtilis (B. Subtilis)

1. Supports gut repair by increasing secretory IgA and improves N-Butyrate levels
2. Produces over 12 different kinds of antibiotics
3. Ferments Vitamin K in your gut,
4. Has a positive impact on inflammatory and autoimmune markers

You can see based on the studies of these soil-based probiotic- why I am so excited about them!

Why Test Secretory IgA (sIgA) Levels on A Stool Test

Testing sIgA levels in stool provides crucial insights into the health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the body’s immune function, particularly at mucosal surfaces. Testing sIgA levels in stool is a non-invasive way to gain critical insights into gut immunity and overall health. The results can guide not only the diagnosis and management of various conditions but also the development of personalized, preventive care plans that boost the body’s natural defenses and support long-term well-being. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider ensures accurate interpretation and appropriate responses to sIgA testing outcomes.

Here’s What You Should Remember About SIgA levels

1. SIgA- is a marker indicating the first line of mucosal integrity has been breached.

2. While it is not specific to any particular cause- it indicates that you have an immune system issue that you need to deal with.

3. Eliminating the food sensitivity, the cause of inflammation, or the infection should help normalize your SIgA levels-

4. SIgA testing along with more comprehensive testing should be done to rule in or out some of the potential offenders. (infections, food allergies, Food sensitivities, Altered Cortisol levels to name a few)

5. Correcting these levels can take time and consistency. 6-12 months or longer depending on the case.

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