COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 564
Saliva collection is comfortable for patients and can be
performed easily
Direct Assessment
Saliva directly reflects the mucosal environment rather than the
systemic circulation
Rich in Biomarkers
Saliva contains numerous immune mediators that can be
measured to assess mucosal health
Potential for Repeated Testing
The ease of collection facilitates monitoring over time to assess
treatment efficacy
IgA Patterns and Clinical Implications
Different patterns of secretory IgA reactivity provide important
clinical insights [15]:
Elevated Total sIgA
May indicate active mucosal inflammation, infections, or dysbiosis
challenging the mucosal barrier
Depressed Total sIgA
Can suggest immune exhaustion, mucosal depletion, or chronic
stress suppressing mucosal immunity
Elevated Specific IgA Antibodies
Reveal which particular antigens are triggering mucosal immune
responses
Normal Total sIgA with Specific Elevations
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