Gut Health

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract functions not only to absorb nutrients but also to support important immunologic defenses during health and critical illness. Under experimental and certain clinical conditions, gut stimulation attenuates the stress response, limiting mucosal atrophy, and increased gut permeability. Gut stimulation prevents atrophy of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), the body's major defender of mucosal surfaces. The GALT is an important producer of the IgA antibody and consists of Peyer's patches, lamina propria lymphocytes, and intraepithelial lymphocytes. IgA prevents the adherence of microbes to the moist mucosal surfaces throughout the body, preventing an essential first step for systemic invasion. Immunonutrition may become an important adjunct to augment the body's natural defense systems and to reduce the need for these invasive therapies. A better understanding of the gut function and improved nutrient delivery has clinical implications in the treatment of all patients.