The immunoglobulin protein isolate is already used in a range of supplement products as an immune-enhancer, such as ImmunoAdvantage from NOW Foods and Schiff's ImmunAdvantage. According to the company, more than 50 studies into its immune supporting properties have been conducted at major universities
The latest study, which Proliant hopes will be published this spring, involved 33 females and 18 males aged between 40 and 55 years, all of whom suffered from diarrhea-prominent IBS. The double-blind study lasted six weeks, during which time participants received either 10gm of ImmunoLin, 10gm of soy protein (used as a control) or 5gm of ImmunoLin and 5gm of soy protein. The interventions were delivered in capsule form (20-a-day, taken five at a time).
Overall the participants taking the 5gm of ImmunoLin reported a 16 percent reduction in days when they experienced symptoms compared to the soy group, and those taking 10gm an 18 percent reduction.
But the results were more pronounced in the 10gm group towards the end of the study, with a 24 percent reduction in symptom days compared to the soy group.
Lead researcher Eric Weaver, PhD, said that this effect means that a further, longer study may be warranted.
The effect was attributed to ImmunoLin's elimination of foreign antigens (toxins), more of which enter the gut when gut permeability is induced by mild inflammation, Weaver's team observed. These antigens trigger the immune reaction and inflammation responsible for pain and diarrhea experienced by many IBS sufferers.
Weaver also pointed out that ImmunoLin is lactose-free, so is appropriate for IBS sufferers who feel they are intolerant to lactose and animal products.
The precise numbers of IBS suffers in the US are not known, as many people with mild symptoms do not consult a physician, but it is believed to be between 15 and 30 million.
The long-term condition, from which more women suffer than men, involves abdominal discomfort accompanied by diarrhea or constipation. Although it is not life threatening and dose not lead to other, more serious health conditions, IBS is untreatable. At present, intervention involves management of symptoms.