GASTROENTEROLOGY
The inner epithelium of the stomach (mucosa) is characterized by the presence of a layer of mucus that covers and protects it. Mucus consists largely of glycoproteins, also present in the respiratory system. These proteins are highly viscous and represent an unparalleled protective tool.
The mucous barrier they form plays a key role: safeguarding the highest surface of the stomach, in synergy with the bicarbonate ions that are trapped in mucus, but without affecting the high acidity of the stomach, indispensable for digestion processes and food sterilization. Reduction or weakening of this glycoproteic component leads to an inevitable decrease in its protective ability, exposing the gastric mucosa to risk.
"The inner epithelium of the stomach (mucosa) is covered by a layer of mucus which protects it."
For example, Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) play a key role.” In containing the inflammation but at the same time they reduce level and activities of certain prostaglandins. These molecules, among other functions, play the crucial role of regulating the mechanisms of protective mucus secretion.
However, it is not only external factors such as the administration of NSAIDs that can affect the quality of the lining of the stomach mucosa. The glycoproteins that make up mucus are also subject to constant turnover that can limit the protective effectiveness of mucus itself.
The collagen is the main glycoprotein of our body. Its flexibility gives it an incredible variety of functions, one of which is the coating of mucous surfaces. Although it is quantitatively very abundant, it is subject to incessant turnover. Over the years the amount lost exceeds what is taken with food and can lead to a rather worrying picture, now known as ‘lack of collagen diseases’. More simply, it is a weakening of all the body places where the collagen itself is present.
It is therefore important to consider that the mucosal barrier rich in water, glycoproteins and bicarbonate ions is the mechanism of stomach protection against the hydrochloric acid necessary for digestion, without damaging its structure, but that at the same timetime is an evolving biological protection system.
"The collagen is the main glycoprotein of our body."
For this reason it must be properly safeguarded by all those factors that damage it, including the progressive loss of collagen, in order to best play this delicate role.
OUR PRODUCTS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY
GADIREL ®
It is a food supplement with a formula based on hydrolyzed collagen and tribasic calcium phosphate for the physiological maintenance of the gastric environment.
GADIRELoro®
It is a food supplement based on calcium, vitamin C and xylitol.
