Oral health is intricately linked to overall well-being, a fact underscored by recent collaborative research between Waseda University and Ortho Inc. This article delves into the study's findings, which highlight the beneficial effects of immune proteins on athletes' oral environments.
Introduction to the Study
Ortho Inc., a company that markets high-grade immune proteins and operates the "Immune Protein Research Institute" web media, in collaboration with Waseda University, presented their joint research at the 34th General Assembly and Scientific Conference of the Japan Society of Sports Dentistry. The study focuses on the impact of immune protein intake on athletes' oral health, specifically in the context of sports dentistry.
Research Background and Purpose
The study acknowledges that while moderate exercise boosts immune function and helps prevent infections and cancer, intense training can weaken the immune system, leading to systemic inflammation, immune suppression, and organ damage. The research involved female badminton players consuming the immune protein "I'm Protein" for eight weeks and analyzed its effects on exercise-induced immune responses.
Key Points of the Study
A significant finding of the study was the observed increase in salivary S-IgA (Secretory Immunoglobulin A) levels. Salivary S-IgA plays a crucial role in preventing pathogen entry and neutralizing toxins. The study found a correlation between the intake of immune protein and increased concentrations of salivary S-IgA and intestinal acetic acid. This suggests that immune proteins could enhance the oral environment of athletes by boosting immune functions.
Supporting Research and Findings
The study aligns with other research indicating that acetic acid, a major metabolite of gut bacteria and a type of short-chain fatty acid, contributes to increased S-IgA levels and plays a role in regulating intestinal bacteria.
Additional Insights from Collaborative Research
Previous research by Ortho Inc., Waseda University, and Kyushu University revealed that immune proteins can mitigate exercise-induced kidney function decline. This was published in the Biomedicines journal in March 2020. The current study further underscores the potential of immune proteins in enhancing immunity by elevating salivary S-IgA and intestinal acetic acid levels.
Research Contributors
The clinical research was conducted in collaboration with Professor Katsuhiko Suzuki from the Waseda University Faculty of Sport Sciences, Professor Hideji Watanabe, head of the badminton department at Senshu University and visiting researcher at Waseda University, and Assistant Professor Moto Tanabe from Meikai University's field of sports dentistry. Advisor: Professor Yasunobu Yoshikai, Kyushu University Institute of Health Science.
Future Perspectives
Building on previous research related to reducing organ damage from exercise and non-invasive testing methods, the current study's findings regarding the immune-boosting effects of immune proteins set the stage for further exploration into the mechanisms of immune enhancement in athletes.
Company Profile of Ortho Inc.
Ortho Inc. has been dedicated to applying the principles of mother-child immunity, derived from breast milk, to food products for over 25 years. Their flagship product, "I'm Protein," caters to affluent consumers and boasts a repeat rate of 85%. The company prides itself on using safe, hormone-free milk produced once a year in their products.
Contact Information
Company: Ortho Inc.
Address: 2-8-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0021, Palazzo Aztec 10th Floor
Contact: Hashimoto
Phone: 03-4330-7072
Email: hashimoto@kenko.co.jp
Website: Ortho Corp
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