When addressing small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) interventions should be considered. LPS is an endotoxin released from the cell walls of bacteria when they die that can lead to inflammation, endotoxemia, insulin resistance, and adrenal dysfunction. Serum-derived immunoglobulins (SDI) offer a novel approach to mitigating the harmful effects of LPS. These immunoglobulins are derived from bovine serum and are rich in antibodies that can bind to and neutralize LPS and other bacterial toxins.
How SDI Helps

Neutralization of LPS
- Binding to LPS: SDI contains antibodies that specifically bind to LPS, neutralizing their endotoxin activity and preventing them from interacting with TLR4. This reduces the immune activation and inflammation caused by LPS.
- Blocking Absorption: By binding to LPS in the gut, SDI can prevent their absorption into the bloodstream, thereby reducing systemic endotoxemia.
Supporting Gut Barrier Function
- Reduction of Inflammation: By neutralizing LPS, SDI can help reduce inflammation in the gut, promoting a healthier gut lining and preventing “leaky gut.”
- Restoration of Tight Junctions: The reduction in inflammation helps restore the integrity of tight junctions in the gut epithelium, further preventing the translocation of LPS and other toxins.
Immune Modulation
- Regulation of Immune Response: SDI can modulate the immune response, reducing the overactivation that leads to chronic inflammation. This helps in managing conditions like IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.
Clinical Evidence and Applications for SDI
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of SDI in reducing the harmful effects of LPS.
- Gut Health: Research shows that SDI can improve gut barrier function and reduce intestinal inflammation, making it a promising treatment for conditions like irritable bowel disease/syndrome (IBD and IBS) (Frontiers) (Revista ACTA).
- Metabolic Health: By reducing systemic inflammation, SDI has potential benefits for managing metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Immune Support: SDI can help regulate the immune system, providing benefits for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Comprehensive SIBO Treatment
In addition to SDI, the effective management of SIBO often involves a combination of dietary changes, antibiotics, or herbal antimicrobials, and lifestyle modifications.
Antibiotics and Herbal Treatments: Rifaximin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for SIBO that targets the small intestine. Herbal treatments like berberine, oregano oil, and garlic extract can also be effective in reducing bacterial overgrowth.
Dietary Adjustments: Low-FODMAP diets and specific carbohydrate diets (SCD) can help reduce symptoms by limiting the fermentable substrates available to bacteria.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: These can help restore a healthy balance of gut microbiota and support gut barrier function.
Anti-inflammatory Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and other anti-inflammatory agents can help reduce systemic inflammation.
Adrenal support: During an acute stress response, calming support, such as L-theanine, ashwagandha and 5-HTP could be beneficial. To address a chronic stress response, stimulating and re-sensitizing support such as licorice root and phosphatidylserine are helpful.
Conclusion
Addressing LPS is a critical aspect of SIBO treatment for some patients. SDI offers a promising solution by neutralizing LPS, supporting gut barrier function, and modulating the immune response. This innovative approach can help reduce the side effects associated with bacterial endotoxins and improve overall health outcomes. However, LPS is just part of a comprehensive approach to addressing and mitigating the side effects of SIBO.
Healthcare providers, are you wondering what aspects of SIBO treatment are right for your patient? Neurovanna offers complimentary one-on-one consults with SIBO experts to our customers. Sign up to get help with interpreting results and addressing complex cases.
References
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Pimentel, M., et al. “Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Associations With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders.” Gastroenterology.
Rezaie, A., et al. “Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing in Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus.” The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Lauritano, E. C., et al. “Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Gut.
Tana, C., et al. “Altered Profiles of Intestinal Microbiota and Organic Acids May Be the Origin of Symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Neurogastroenterology & Motility.



