GI Matrix

- Designed to reduce inflammation and intestinal permeability in the digestive tract
- L-glutamine acts as the main fuel for enterocytes and helps restore tight junctions in the lining of the digestive tract
- Zinc carnosine provides anti-Helicobacter pylori properties and gastroprotective capabilities
- N-acetylglucosamine is included for its ability to support the mucin layer of the intestinal tract
- Bacillus coagulans IS-2, a sporulating bacteria, is added for its ability to treat IBS and functional abdominal pain in children as well as IBS and constipation in adults
The wall of the digestive tract is selectively permeable. It allows for the absorption of nutrients while simultaneously providing a protective barrier to the outside world. In cases of disease or inflammation, the intestine may exhibit increased intestinal permeability. This is commonly called leaky gut. Increased intestinal permeability has been linked to certain medications, food allergies, infections, various intestinal diseases and irritable bowel syndrome. Although elimination of offending environmental and external factors is an integral part of care, specific nutrients have been shown to help repair intercellular tight junctions and restore optimal permeability.
L-glutamine is one of the best-known and most crucial amino acids for human health. Not only is it necessary for the production of glutathione, but it is also considered a primary fuel for the macrophages and lymphocytes necessary for good immunity as well as the enterocytes that line the digestive tract. L-glutamine appears to be most needed during periods of convalescence, as muscle glutamine levels drop significantly due to significant stress.
For example, improved digestive health has been observed with glutamine supplementation under various stressors. Decreased diarrhea and fewer digestive upsets were reported in supplemented people with digestive upsets and those taking antiviral medications. These digestive benefits are thought to be due to its role in restoring tight junctions and reducing intestinal permeability.
Zinc carnosine (ZnC), a combination of elemental zinc and the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine, is another nutrient being extensively researched for its gastroprotective abilities. ZnC helps restore glutathione levels in the injured gastric mucosa and also inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. One study found that co-administration of ZnC with indomethacin decreased subsequent intestinal permeability associated with NSAID use. Another study demonstrated that up to 72% of subjects with gastric tissue damage achieved remarkable improvement after 4 to 8 weeks of ZnC treatment. Finally, ZnC has powerful antimicrobial actions against Helicobacter pylori. For example, adding ZnC to “triple therapy,” the traditional pharmaceutical treatment for H. pylori eradication, is more effective than when compared to triple therapy alone.
N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) plays an important role in supporting a specific part of the lining of the intestinal tract, known as the mucin layer. In a healthy digestive tract, mucin acts as a barrier between the microbiome and the epithelial lining. However, this barrier is thinner or breaks down in disease states and allows bacterial penetration and inflammation. Glucosamine is required to rebuild mucin and NAG has been shown to be preferentially incorporated into the intestinal mucin layer compared to other sources of glucosamine such as glucosamine sulfate. More importantly, NAG improves mucin thickness and clinical symptoms. Finally, as part of the healing process of the lining of the digestive tract, it is worth mentioning probiotics. Spore-forming probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans are renowned for their ability to survive even the harshest environments. In fact, spores of Bacillus strains can survive in a dormant state for years, despite extreme temperature changes and pH shifts. Spore germination and activation takes place in the small intestine, where sugars, amino acids, and purines are widely available.
Once germinated and activated, Bacillus coagulans can promote digestion, increase nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation by producing a variety of enzymes and short-chain fatty acids. In addition, Bacillus coagulans exerts a natural antimicrobial effect by competing for resources and preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria. It does this by creating an anaerobic, acidic environment in the intestine, making it inhospitable to various pathogens and providing ideal conditions for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species.
Overall, Bacillus coagulans helps promote favorable intestinal flora by improving the diversity, composition and metabolic function of the microbiota. Clinical studies have shown that Bacillus coagulans strain IS-2 is effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain in adults, as well as IBS and constipation in children.
GI Matrix contains a blend of L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, n-acetylglucosamine and Bacillus coagulans, designed to reduce inflammation and intestinal permeability in the digestive tract. Each of these nutrients is delivered in clinically validated dosages to support bowel regularity, manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and promote favorable gut flora. GI Matrix is ​​unflavored, easily soluble and only lightly sweetened with monk fruit extract to improve compliance. The box contains 60 servings, which is a 30-day supply at the full daily dose.