Total IgA

What is Total IgA?

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a type of immune protein that plays a vital role in your immune system, acting as a first line of defence against infections. IgA is found in mucosal areas of the body, such as the respiratory and digestive tracts, where it helps block harmful bacteria and viruses from entering the body. It is the most dominant secretory immunoglobulin in the intestine and regulates the colonisation of the microbiota. IgA can be found in bodily secretions including saliva, tears, sweat, and colostrum (mum’s first milk), and in small amounts in the blood.

Why Is Total IgA Important?

Testing your IgA levels gives a clear picture of how well your immune system is working. Monitoring IgA can help identify potential immune deficiencies or highlight underlying conditions such as chronic infections, inflammatory disorders, or autoimmune diseases.

The Impact of IgA on Health and Longevity

Maintaining healthy IgA levels is crucial for a strong immune response. IgA plays an important role in protecting you from common illnesses and infections, especially those affecting the respiratory and digestive systems. While a lack of IgA doesn’t always cause severe complications, it can increase the risk of infectious diseases. IgA also facilitates the clearance of pathogens such as Salmonella and can neutralise toxins.

Symptoms of High and/or Low Total IgA Levels

Out-of-range IgA levels can signal various health issues.

• High IgA levels: Elevated levels may mean your immune system is responding to a challenge. High IgA can be associated with chronic inflammation, such as with inflammatory bowel disease, or liver diseases like cirrhosis. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a type of blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma.
• Low IgA levels: Low levels are more common than high levels and can indicate an immune deficiency. A genetic condition known as IgA deficiency, where the body produces little or no IgA, can make you more vulnerable to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, though it often causes no symptoms. Certain medications, chronic illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease, and genetic factors can also lead to low IgA levels.

What Other Biomarkers Relate to Total IgA?

For a comprehensive assessment of your immune health, it can be beneficial to test IgA alongside other immunoglobulins, specifically IgG and IgM. These are other classes of immune proteins that work alongside IgA to protect the body against pathogens. IgG is the most abundant type of immune protein and is found in all body fluids, while IgM is the first immune protein the body produces when it encounters a new threat. A full immunoglobulin panel including these can give a more complete picture of your immune response.

How to Test Total IgA

Total IgA levels can be measured with a simple blood test. At Forth, we make it easy to monitor your IgA levels at home with a finger-prick blood test. A small blood sample is collected using a lancet, placed in a vial, and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Alternatively, you can opt for a phlebotomy service where a healthcare professional takes a sample from a vein in your arm.

Normal Ranges for Total IgA

Reference ranges for IgA can vary slightly between laboratories. As a guide, the normal range for adults is typically 0.8 – 3.0 g/L.

How to Maintain Healthy Total IgA Levels

There is no specific cure for an IgA deficiency. However, you can support your immune health and potentially improve your IgA levels through various lifestyle factors.

• Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is key. Some studies suggest that certain foods and supplements can help. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics, which are their food source, have shown promise in some studies for increasing IgA levels.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can lower IgA levels. Practising relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises can help to manage stress and support your immune function.
• Exercise: Regular, moderate-intensity exercise can positively affect IgA levels.