Secretory (sIgA)

Optimal Result: 510 - 2040 ng/mL.

Fecal Secretory IgA is a marker of gut secretory immunity and barrier function.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity and is produced in greater quantities than all other types of antibody combined.

In its secretory form, Secretory IgA is the main immunoglobulin found in mucous secretions and provides protection against potentially pathogenic microbes, due to its ability to resist degradation by enzymes and survive in harsh environments such as GI and respiratory tracts.

Secretory IgA is the first line of defense against:

- bacteria

- food residues

- yeast

- parasites

Lifestyle and nutritional factors influence levels. Choline, EFA’s, glutathione, glycine, phosphatidylcholine, Vitamin C & zinc are all needed for efficient production.

References:

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3845795/

What does it mean if your Secretory (sIgA) result is too high?

- High levels of Secretory IgA might reflect an activated immune response to chronic infections including viral infections such as EBV (Epstein–Barr virus), CMV (Cytomegalovirus), HIV, and/ or inflammatory reactions.

- High level of Secretory IgA may also indicate an infection of the digestive system or inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

- Some people can also have a partial sIgA deficiency which isn’t genetic and is caused by environmental or lifestyle factors such as poor diets, nutrient deficiencies, certain drugs (including anti-inflammatories), viruses, impaired immune function and excessive stress.

Assess for and treat root causes of immune up-regulation / inflammation:

- Consider food antibody testing

- Consider an elimination diet (What's an Elimination Diet?)

- Further consult your healthcare professional

What does it mean if your Secretory (sIgA) result is too low?

Low levels of Secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) can be indicative of a compromised immune function in the mucosal linings of the body, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

sIgA plays a critical role in the immune system as the first line of defense against pathogens entering through mucosal surfaces. It helps in preventing the attachment and invasion of pathogens and also plays a role in the regulation of the gut microbiome. Causes for low sIgA levels can be varied, including chronic stress, which impacts the immune response, nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin A, zinc, and certain amino acids which are crucial for immune function), chronic infections, and certain autoimmune conditions.

Additionally, some individuals may have a selective IgA deficiency, a genetic condition where the body produces very little or no sIgA.

Symptoms of low sIgA can be diverse and often non-specific, as it affects the body's ability to defend against infections. Individuals may experience frequent or chronic gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort. They may also have a higher susceptibility to respiratory infections, allergies, and food sensitivities. Since sIgA plays a role in maintaining gut barrier function, its deficiency can potentially lead to conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where harmful substances leak through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.

Treatment for low sIgA levels focuses on addressing the underlying causes and bolstering the immune system. Nutritional support is crucial; a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help strengthen immune function. Supplements like vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids might be recommended. Probiotics can also be beneficial in supporting gut health and potentially boosting mucosal immunity. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, yoga, or counseling, are essential, given the impact of stress on immune function. If a chronic infection is present, appropriate antimicrobial treatment may be necessary. In cases of selective IgA deficiency, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing infections, as there is currently no way to increase IgA production in these individuals. Regular consultations with healthcare providers, including immunologists and gastroenterologists, are vital to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.

Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.

With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.

For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.

It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.

There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."

Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.

For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.

We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.

Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.

Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.

For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.

Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.

Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.

The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.

For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.

You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.

Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.

Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.

We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.

1. Graph View:

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.

2. All Tests View

Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.

3. Table View:

For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.

Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.

Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.

Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.

Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.

A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.

The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.