IgYs: on her majesty's secret service.

2023-06-12
Frontiers in immunology 14

PubMed: 37377972
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199427

Study Design

Type: Review

Animal Study

There has been an increasing interest in using Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies as an alternative to "classical" antimicrobials. Unlike traditional antibiotics, they can be utilized on a continual basis without leading to the development of resistance. The veterinary IgY antibody market is growing because of the demand for minimal antibiotic use in animal production. IgY antibodies are not as strong as antibiotics for treating infections, but they work well as preventative agents and are natural, nontoxic, and easy to produce. They can be administered orally and are well tolerated, even by young animals. Unlike antibiotics, oral IgY supplements support the microbiome that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, including immune system function. IgY formulations can be delivered as egg yolk powder and do not require extensive purification. Lipids in IgY supplements improve antibody stability in the digestive tract. Given this, using IgY antibodies as an alternative to antimicrobials has garnered interest. In this review, we will examine their antibacterial potential.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus rhamnosus	—	Improved Antimicrobial Ability	Beneficial	Moderate	View source IgY antibodies are not as strong as antibiotics for treating infections, but they work well as preventative agents and are natural, nontoxic, and easy to produce.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus	—	Improved Gut Microbiome Health	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Unlike antibiotics, oral IgY supplements support the microbiome that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, including immune system function.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus	—	Improved Supplement Tolerance	Beneficial	Small	View source They can be administered orally and are well tolerated, even by young animals.