When it comes to gut health, most of us have heard about probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are the "good bacteria" that support a balanced microbiome, while prebiotics are the fibres that feed them. But now, there’s a rising star in the world of gut health: postbiotics. These bioactive compounds are changing the way we think about microbial health—and one of the most exciting postbiotics is lipoteichoic acid (LTA) derived from Lactobacillus plantarum, a powerhouse strain known for its immune-modulating properties. Let’s dive into the science, benefits, and why this could be a game-changer for your health - especially if you have an autoimmune disease.
What Are Postbiotics?
Postbiotics are the bioactive byproducts or metabolites produced by probiotics during fermentation. Unlike probiotics (which are live microorganisms) and prebiotics (which are the foods that feed them), postbiotics are non-living substances that include:
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate.
Bacterial metabolites: Like lactate.
Structural components of bacteria: Including peptidoglycans, lipoteichoic acids (LTA), and fragments of bacterial cell walls.
Vitamins and enzymes: Such as B vitamins and bioactive peptides.
Because postbiotics are not alive, they don’t require refrigeration and are more stable than probiotics, making them an appealing option for supplements and functional foods.
Postbiotics for autoimmune conditions are an exciting new area of research.
LTA from Lactobacillus plantarum
Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a structural component found in the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum. It plays a critical role in how bacteria interact with the immune system and the gut environment. It is a non-viable bacterial product that offers health benefits.
Key Properties of LTA:
Immunomodulation: LTA interacts with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), on immune cells. This helps fine-tune immune responses by promoting anti-inflammatory pathways while maintaining the ability to fight off pathogens. This promotes Th1:Th2 balance to increase infection control and decrease the allergic response and autoimmune signalling.
Gut Barrier Support: LTA strengthens the intestinal lining, reducing the risk of "leaky gut" and ensuring proper nutrient absorption.
Inflammation Regulation: LTA has been shown to reduce excessive inflammatory responses, which can contribute to conditions like allergies, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Defence Against Infections and Abnormal Cells. Induces IFN-y, activating Natural Killer Cells and Cytotoxic Lymphocytes
The Health Benefits of Postbiotics
Postbiotics like LTA bring a range of scientifically backed benefits to the table, making them an exciting frontier in nutritional and therapeutic interventions:
1. Balancing Autoimmune System imbalances and disease
Postbiotics help regulate the immune system, preventing overreaction to harmless substances (as seen in allergies) while maintaining robust defences against harmful pathogens. LTA, specifically, has been studied for its ability to balance Th1 and Th2 immune responses, promoting a more resilient immune system. *These benefits only work when combined by a healthy diet that focuses of non-starchy vegetables, clean protein, and healthy fats.
2. Reducing Allergies
Allergies result from an overactive immune response, often linked to histamine release. Postbiotics like LTA help modulate this response, reducing inflammation and histamine production. By calming the immune system, they can alleviate symptoms of seasonal allergies and food sensitivities.
3. Supporting Gut Health
Postbiotics play a critical role in maintaining the gut lining. Compounds like SCFAs nourish colonocytes (the cells lining the colon) and improve the gut’s barrier function. LTA contributes by reducing inflammation and supporting the gut’s structural integrity.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of many modern diseases, from heart disease to diabetes. Postbiotics help by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and promoting anti-inflammatory mediators. LTA’s unique interaction with immune cells ensures it can play a role in taming excessive inflammation.
5. Metabolic Benefits
Some postbiotics, including SCFAs, influence glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage. While LTA’s primary role is immunological, its ability to reduce systemic inflammation can also indirectly benefit metabolic health.
LTA in Immunobiotic Supplements
The term immunobiotics refers to probiotics, postbiotics, or their derivatives that specifically enhance immune function. LTA from Lactobacillus plantarum is a prime candidate for such supplements, thanks to its potent immunomodulatory properties. Here’s why it stands out:
Stability: Unlike live probiotics, postbiotics like LTA are not affected by heat, stomach acid, or bile, ensuring they reach their target intact.
Targeted Immune Support: LTA’s interaction with TLRs helps balance the immune system, making it beneficial for individuals with allergies, autoimmune conditions, or chronic inflammation.
Synergy with Probiotics: LTA can complement live probiotics, enhancing their overall benefits.
Natural Sources of Postbiotics
While supplements are a convenient way to access postbiotics, you can also boost your body’s production of these compounds naturally:
Eat More Prebiotic-Rich Foods: Foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas provide the fibre that probiotics ferment into postbiotics.
Include Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics that produce postbiotics in the gut.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports the fermentation process in your gut.
The Future of Postbiotics in Health
As research into postbiotics grows, their potential applications continue to expand. From targeted therapies for allergies and autoimmune diseases to improving gut-brain axis communication and mental health, postbiotics like LTA are poised to play a significant role in personalised medicine.
For those looking to optimise their health, incorporating postbiotics into your diet or supplement regimen is a smart move. Not only are they stable and easy to incorporate, but they also offer targeted, scientifically backed benefits that go beyond what traditional probiotics can achieve. Whether you’re managing allergies, boosting immunity, or simply aiming for better gut health, LTA and other postbiotics are worth exploring.
Are you ready to take the next step in your gut health journey? Let’s discuss how postbiotics are just one aspect of a treatment protocol that can support your unique needs. Book a discovery call today and start experiencing the benefits of cutting-edge gut health science!
Written by Naturopath Tanya Kurzbock
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