What is the intestinal barrier and why is it important?
The intestine is a key organ for digestion, but not only that… It plays an important role in immunity by controlling the passage of external molecules into the body.
This vital function can sometimes be impaired (this is often referred to as "leaky gut" or permeable bowel syndrome) and cause a number of disorders. This impairment could contribute to the development of certain metabolic diseases.
Reminder: What is the intestine?
The intestine is an organ that is part of the digestive tract. It is essential for the proper functioning of the body because it participates in the digestion and absorption of food.
There are two intestines:
- The proximal part, the small intestine, is where the majority of nutrients are absorbed.
- a distal one, the large intestine which is composed of the cecum, colon and rectum.
The gut contains a dense nervous system that maintains close connections with the brain. In fact, the gut is often called the second brain. Due to its nature and functions, the gut has certain unique characteristics. It constitutes a true ecological niche and hosts a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that maintain a symbiotic relationship with the body. This is the gut microbiota. The gut also acts as a barrier against the external environment (the contents of the intestinal lumen are considered the body's external environment) and protects the body from unwanted molecules and pathogens.
What is the intestinal barrier?
The intestinal barrier is a function of the intestine. Its role is entrusted to the complex system that makes up the intestine (cells, mucus, chemical compounds, etc.). The intestinal barrier aims to prevent the passage of the intestinal lumen's contents into the internal environment. However, this barrier is not absolute and must also allow a certain number of molecules to pass through.
What is the intestinal barrier made of?
The intestinal barrier function is performed by intestinal cells and the space between them. This space, which allows the passage of certain molecules, is determined in particular by the expression of specific proteins (tight junction proteins such as claudin or occludin). A layer of mucus lines the intestinal cells and contributes to the formation of the barrier.
The intestinal barrier also involves immune cells (macrophages, lymphocytes, etc.) and chemical molecules (defensins, lysozyme, etc.) secreted by the body to participate in immune defense.
What happens if the intestinal barrier becomes “porous”?
It is indeed possible that the intestinal barrier loses its integrity and becomes more “permeable”, which is what is referred to as leaky gut.
In reality, as explained above, the intestinal barrier always exhibits a degree of permeability. However, an increase in intestinal permeability results in an increased passage of molecules contained in the intestinal lumen into the internal environment, including molecules that are more or less pathogenic.
It has been described that increased intestinal permeability is involved in several intestinal pathologies:
- IBD
- Ulcers
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Celiac disease
Increased intestinal permeability allows molecules not normally found in the body to pass through, potentially contributing to the development of certain disorders. One such possibility is the possible involvement of increased intestinal permeability in the development of obesity. This could lead to the passage of pro-inflammatory molecules into the internal environment, contributing to the development of metabolic disorders. These effects are thought to be closely linked to an imbalanced gut microbiota (dysbiosis). These implications are still under investigation, and the roles played by each factor are not yet clearly defined. Some findings have been demonstrated with varying degrees of success in animals and cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.
What is the link between microbiota and intestinal permeability?
The gut microbiota is essential for proper intestinal function. It actively participates in digestion, but its role doesn't stop there. When the microbiota is healthy and contains a balanced proportion of its constituent species, it also contributes to the intestinal barrier. This occurs through several mechanisms, including:
- by limiting the risk of colonization of the digestive tract by opportunistic pathogenic organisms
- by secreting molecules that participate in the control of the intestinal ecosystem
- by participating in immunity via the modulation of tight junction proteins.
How can we prevent the loss of integrity of the intestinal barrier?
To prevent and treat intestinal hyperpermeability, it is essential to adopt a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, and low in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. This aims to maintain a healthy gut microbiota composition capable of effectively contributing to the cohesion of the intestinal barrier. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnonus ATCC53103 or Lactobacillus rhamnonus GG, can be effective, but they cannot, on their own, fully maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
It is important to investigate the causes of a possible alteration of the intestinal barrier; for this, it is recommended to consult your doctor who will be able to refer you to a specialist.
Finally, in parallel with taking probiotic food supplements, the implementation of hygiene and dietary measures is strongly recommended and the advice of a dietician-nutritionist will be invaluable.
In short, about the intestinal barrier
- The intestinal barrier, also called the intestinal mucosal barrier, is a complex structure that separates the internal environment from the luminal environment of the intestine. It plays a crucial role in protecting mucosal tissues and the circulatory system from exposure to pro-inflammatory molecules, such as microorganisms and toxins.
- It prevents the uncontrolled translocation of luminal contents into the body itself. Defense against intestinal infections relies on three types of barriers: a physicochemical barrier, an ecological barrier, and an immunological barrier.
- Intestinal permeability is a term describing the control of substances passing from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract through the intestinal wall into the rest of the body.
- The intestine normally exhibits a certain permeability, which allows nutrients to pass through the intestine, while maintaining a barrier function to prevent potentially harmful substances (such as antigens) from leaving the intestine and migrating more broadly into the body.
- Persistently increased intestinal permeability, also known as intestinal hyperpermeability or "Leaky Gut", may contribute to the development of chronic intestinal disorders or systemic diseases.
- Loss of intestinal barrier integrity can have adverse health consequences.
- It is possible to contribute to maintaining the intestinal barrier by adopting a good quality diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
- Probiotics help to maintain the intestinal barrier.
What does Phytocea offer for maintaining the intestinal barrier?
At Phytocea , we have developed Flore Daily . Flore Daily is a probiotic food supplement, highly concentrated (over 50 billion CFU) and containing several varieties of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium . Depending on your situation, this complete and unique formula may be helpful for managing IBS and intestinal permeability; however, it is not a universal solution and should be combined with a lifestyle and dietary approach tailored to your individual needs.
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To learn more
Altered intestinal permeability: the missing link between dysbiosis and inflammation in obesity?
Gut microbiota and metabolic diseases
Digestive system: When the intestines tear
The intestinal barrier: rupture, invasion, and inflammatory destruction by pathogens
